a day in Florence
28 Monday Nov 2022
Posted Out and About
in28 Monday Nov 2022
Posted Out and About
in13 Sunday Nov 2022
Earlier this year, I grew some parsley from seed. I hardly ever use it in cooking (maybe because I never have any to hand?) but at some stage, I must have felt it was time I did, which would explain the packet of seeds I found in the barn. It struggled to get going (something to do with the intense heat, no doubt) but I eventually transplanted it into the newly created herb patch, where it was touch and go for a while.
Over the summer, it gradually filled out its corner, vying for space next to the giant oregano plant. And yet I still hadn’t used it. Now, rather late in the day, I’m wondering what to do with it all. It should survive the winter but just in case, it would be good to know I hadn’t let it all go to waste.
So, with a few store cupboard ingredients, some additional home-grown herbs and a stick blender, we now have parsley pesto and a salsa verde. I’ve hardly made a dent in the parsley patch but now I’ve been reacquainted with its taste and smell, I’ll be making more of an effort to use it in the future.
07 Monday Nov 2022
Posted Land
inWe’ve been enjoying some exceptional weather; it’s hard to believe we are now in November. Still, despite the warm, sunny days, the evenings are now getting chilly and it’s time to put the lemons in the limonaia for the winter. It’s a shame to move them out of the sun so soon but they need time to acclimatise to their winter residence.
It’s no surprise that over the course of the year, they’ve all grown which means bigger pots for some of them. Throw in a giant avocado (grown from the stone) and some lemongrass and the limonaia is looking a little crowded. We may need a rethink next year!
04 Friday Nov 2022
Posted Food
inA handful of fig leaves simmered in water with sugar. A bottle of vodka and a few strips of lemon peel. Mix them all together, pour in a jar and wait a month or so. Fig leaf liqueur: it shouldn’t be that easy, but it is!
The month is up and it’s only fitting that big sis and brother-in-law are here for the first tasting. Slightly sticky with a hint of coconut, this homemade liqueur is definitely a winner with everyone!
There was just enough time to pick the last of this year’s leaves on the tree to make another batch but I shall certainly be starting this one earlier next year!