Saturday 31 October 2009

Samhain

Samhain is, basically, New Years' Eve for Pagan folk. A time for remembering and reflecting. For making resolutions, clearing out old things and out-worn ways of being. It is also a time for a party. Best Beloved and I are having a huge bonfire, and eating a (traditional Pagan ) meal of sausages and baked potatoes, followed by hazelnut biscuits.

Happy New Year!

Friday 30 October 2009

Baking

I really enjoy baking, and have tried a few new things lately.
Above is a photo of the 'tweaked' recipe, Pear and Almond Tart. Again, home grown pears.


Nigel Slater is one of my favourite cookery writers, alongside Elizabeth David, and Madhur Jaffrey. These Hazelnut Biscuits are his recipe, and they have been a real hit. They have become an instant favourite here at ''Dragons' Wood''.

Another of Nigel's new recipes, is his Mushroom Pasties. I did add a small amount of dried ceps (reconstituted )to the mushroom mix, but that is just me fiddling. They were quick and easy to make, no difficult ingredients, and disappeared off the plates in the clattering of a spoon, (or the squeezing of a lemon, to quote Mrs David), so I'm afraid there are no pictures.

These recipes are from the Observer magazine.

Wednesday 7 October 2009

A bit of 'Magic'

On Saturday, Karen and I met Jacqui in Glastonbury. We were going to the Faery Fayre. None of us knew what to expect, never having been before. There were the most amazing stands - Art, Jewelery, trinkets, Wings, Clothes.
I did not find a card, or a label for this stand, but these little Goblins were so beautifully made.I half-expected them to move.
The wings I mentioned were gorgeous, but I was so carried away with looking at them, that I forgot to take any pictures. They are by Twinkle (www.fairywings.moonfruit.com).

This necklace, from the Punkfaery (www.thepunkfaeryartworks.com) was too beautiful to resist.
There was also a lovely young woman doing Faery-style make up. Lots of people were dressed up for the occasion. Quite wonderful.
To see adverts for these sorts of Fayre, and also the Balls which follow them , see Fae Magazine(www.faemagazine.com).
After that, we went to Star Child, (sublime)and bought incense, and oils, and candles. A quick look in a few shops, and then a visit to Gothic Image (bookshop), before leaving for home. Sadly, Gwydion McPagans' Yule to Yule 2010 edition of his calender is not available yet.
I can feel a Fairy Knitting Tea Party coming on!

Thursday 1 October 2009

Surprise Harvest!

Some years ago, when we first came here, I planted some Pear trees. Only one survived. (The ground is very damp). That one tree was slow to fruit. This year, it has been laden, but the fruit did not seem very nice. Today, I thought 'one more chance', and tried a mouthful. Fabulous! So I picked as many as I could reach. It is either 'Barone de Mello' or 'Beurre Hardy'.
I also thought I would pick any Damsons I could find, on our rather scrawny tree. As you see, I picked a few. I will have to pick again over the week-end, as there are lots hiding , tucked up tight under the leaves.

At the same time, I had a look at a self-sown curcurbit plant in the corner of the vegetable garden... And found lots of these little Squashes! I picked those which are of a useable size, and have left twice as many on the plant.
Three lovely surprises...gifts of Nature!