Wednesday 24 September 2014

Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Busy …

Processing garden produce into winter preserves is a time-consuming business.  This week it has been the turn of windfall apples, the last of the cherry tomatoes, and an over-abundance of courgettes.

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The last of the Cherry tomatoes turned into pasta sauce

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Windfall apples turned into apple sauce

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Rose hips ready to be turned into syrup

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Patty pan squashes and courgettes cooked and pureed ready to be turned into soups.

That’s it now – no more – I am quite happy with what I have achieved this autumn in preparation for winter.  And may I say that if I don’t see a courgette ever again it will be too soon.

30 comments:

  1. I wish I had an over-abundance of tomatoes! That is one vegetable that I really do think is worth preserving. I usually make loads of tomato sauce, and freeze it. This year is the first one for ages when I have not had enough to do this. We did however make one batch of tomato ketchup, which will last us several months, because you don't use much at a time.

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    1. It'sa a shame about your tomatoes Mark - after a slow start I had pretty good results in the end I've never made tomato ketchup might give that a go next year. I did make a batch of tomato and chilli chutney last year which we are still using.

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  2. Mine's all finished, but I've nothing like your variety of products. Maybe I should turn my remaining courgettes into soup too. Sounds good.

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    1. Courgette soup is one of my favourites with a dash of lemon juice, parmesan and frozen peas thrown in - really tasty.

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    2. Elaine, I've just finished making the soup. My liquidised version contained a few left-over Chick Peas, and a Potato. It is genuinely DELICIOUS. Definitely added to the repertoire!

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    3. Whew! That's a relief - I always worry when I wax lyrically over something - that someone else will be disappointed. A great way of using up a few courgettes too.

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    4. I'm now slightly annoyed that I'd previously been chucking all my excess courgettes on the compost.

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    5. Oh that's unfortunate - never mind you'll know better next year.

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  3. I enjoy this time of year & you have been very busy. I planted a mixed edible hedge to be able to make preserves etc, a few years off yet though before I can do that.

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    1. A few years ago I planted an edible hedge - unfortunately husband was a bit over-enthusiastic pulling out what he thought were suckers that had invaded the garden - and demolished the whole hedge. You can understand why I don't let him do anything but mow the lawns now!

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  4. You'll be glad you've done all this when we're in the depths of winter and you're still eating your summer produce. We've got an abundance of patty pans at the moment. I'm having a go at cubing and blanching them before freezing to see how they do. I've never frozen them before so I don't know if it will work.

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    1. I freeze mine Jo - they do turn a bit mushy when they have de-frosted, but still useable.

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  5. Phew, that's a lot of produce. And I too will be glad to be able to see my kitchen counter some day soon when all the tomatoes have been souped and sauced too x

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    1. I know what you mean Catherine - I seem to have plastic cartons of tomatoes all over the place - I think I'll end up looking like a tomato with all those I have eaten over the past few weeks.

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  6. Ah, you say that about courgettes now, but come next summer you'll be eagerly awaiting the first one to ripen along with the rest of us! I like your idea of making jars of apple sauce from windfall apples - that will now be a job for tomorrow here.

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    1. You're right of course, it's just that now I'm sick of the sight of them - and still they keep coming!

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  7. That looks like a lot of peeling and chopping Elaine but well worth it for the end result. I can only echo your sentiments on the subject of courgettes!

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    1. It's certainly been a good year for them - too good really. Hopefully now the weather is a bit cooler they won't be producing as many fruits.

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  8. Isn't it worth it though? I don't know what's happened this year. I have run out of time for anything and this post makes me feel cross with myself and inspired in equal measure. I suspect that is a very good thing!

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    1. Yes, it is - although when I am standing for hours in the kitchen I have my doubts. Don't beat yourself up about running out of time - I am retired, so in theory, I have all the time in the world to do this sort of thing.

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  9. Goodness you have been busy, but all most worthwhile. Flighty xx

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    1. I'm glad I've finished - time to get on with everything else in the garden - the jobs are piling up.

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  10. How lovely to see all the produce cooking and simmering away! I too am sick of the sight of courgettes, and the taste as well.....but I'm sure I'll grow them again, and again! I love the apple sauce and would have liked to have seen what you plan on doing with the rose hips.xxx

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    1. Yes you do get a bit fed up with them but because they are so easy to grow with spectacular results I have no doubt that they will always be included. I'll post about the rosehips once I get round to doing something with them.

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  11. Fantastic harvest! My tomatoes are a big dissapointment for me this year:( i had a big crop of courgettes though:) making relishes! Yumm

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    1. Mine started off really poorly but in the end I have had a good year with tomatoes. I may give courgette relish a go too.

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  12. How will you use rose hip syrup?

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    1. By the spoonful for a vit.C boost in winter.

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  13. I enjoyed reading your blog and was especially interested to see what you were going to do with courgettes (Zucchini in the US). I tried freezing them once and they were not very appetizing but using them as a base for soup is a great idea!

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