The recent rain and wind has brought a lot of big apples down from the trees in our little orchard. Not one to let anything go to waste, if I can help it, I dug out my apple recipes. I couldn’t find my usual apple cake, so I used this one instead. It has been a real success. No need for the other recipe now. Popped several of these cakes in the freezer. Perfect for a cold wet winter’s day. Converted a lot of apples into puree for the freezer. I wish I could master the basics of canning, as my freezer is bulging.
Froze bags of shredded courgette. Also made a mountain of these courgette latkes, recipe courtesy of the lovely Maureen. We had some for lunch and, apart from my courgette-non-eater, everyone loved them. They were surprisingly filling. This was a departure from my usual style of cooking. First time I’ve grated potatoes and I don’t usually fry. Next time I might try frying them in less oil in the bottom of the Aga. I’ve frozen the rest and they are going to be perfect for mid week lunches. Definitely yummy.
While I collected apples, TF found this ladybird on a spiders web in our garden. Not sure what this little beetle is. Looks like a ladybird, smaller than a harlequin ladybird, but it has a red head.
Finally finished off the weekend with a walk on the Mendips.
I love the subtle changes as the season is passing.
Glad you liked the latkes…we just had some here for supper tonight, (will the zucchini ever stop???!!!!)
I’ve gotta find a good source of local organic apples this year…I’m sure they’ll be ready here too!
xo maureen
They were yummy. I’m glad I tried them. And yes, one day the zucchini will stop. Just not yet. I’m not going to plant any next year. I think they are growing like weeds in my garden, so I’m sure they will do it all by themselves.
I love that lady-bug photograph – too wonderful for words!!!
And I have been wanting to plant zucchini’s forever… but you make me a little nervous – the thought of them coming out of our ears is a bit terrifying!!!
If you plant only a few plants, you should be fine. Somehow I ended up with plants in the double figures. Crazy, but a nice problem to have in the general scheme of things.
I like the look of those little patties…and the cake!
We found them surprisingly good. Worth a try if you have huge quantities of courgette and apples.
I was in the middle of commenting last night when all of a sudden the power went out. Fortunately it is back this morning. Anyhoo, I just wanted to say that canning is not difficult at all. I’m sure that you could do it. Do you have the Ball Book of Canning in the U. K.? It gives step by step instructions. It’s really easy. Trust me – if I can do it, you can. If you lived nearby, I’d show you how.
Oh Jodie, I wish you did live nearer. I’d happily spend an afternoon in your kitchen. I’m a bit worried about poisoning the family through canning, so I’d love to see how someone else does it, to give me confidence. Thank you for the book reference. I’ll follow it up.
The cake looks yummy, I’ve just been to look at the recipe, couldn’t be simpler could it. Just wondered what size loaf tin you used?
I doubled the quantities and used one 2 lb tin and two 1 lb. I added a couple more eggs as well. The cake is simple. Very appley.
The cake looks scrumptious :0)
My Mum used to bottle apple puree…and I don’t think it was too tricky? or some people dry them in rings ..which I’ve often thought about trying ..but not done so yet…
I’m going to try making some microwave blueberry jam today..it’s a great method for small amounts of fruit.
I hope the blueberry jam works out well. I love blueberries, but never have enough for jam.
love this post,such delight in the changing of the season .. you have a wonderful style .. love it x
Thanks, Denise. It feels so satisfying to process the season’s goodies.