I'm almost finished work for Christmas and I'm working today from home, so even better. It will be a long day but at least that's it after that. So I have more time to update the blog and think about the smallholding.
Yesterday I made a spicy butternut squash soup. It has a kick to it and may be even too much of a kick so next time I will reduce the chilli's slightly. It is very nice though. Recipe/method for my future reference:
Golden butternut squash soup with a kick
Dice an onion and sweat in olive oil with a small amount of garlic paste (I don't have any fresh garlic here) and 1 flat (mine was heaped) teaspoon of cheat's chilli flakes.
After 5/10 mins, add a chopped up butternut squash with 2 chopped up sweet potatoes (mine were small, 1 large would do).
Cover with stock (I used veg, chicken may work to, I'll try next time), bring to the boil then simmer until tender, approximately 30 mins depending on size of the veg.
Cool slightly then blend thoroughly.
It will be a lovely golden colour with flecks of red chilli and is perfect when you have a cold and need help blowing your nose!
I saved the seeds of the butternut squash so I am going to google what I need to do, if anything, before sowing them (whenever that may be!).
I also made a casserole which was onion, beef, tomato puree, gravy (not stock), carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and peas all in together, added according to their cooking time. I served it with home made Yorkshire puddings. It's the first time I've made them in this temporary house and I was impressed with them if I do say so myself. The whole meal was very warming and enjoyed by all the family. It felt cosy and comforting which is just what we need, despite this unusual mild weather!
It was the shortest day yesterday, so here's to lighter days ad the countdown to Spring....well, just moving will do!
Just dry the seeds out before ready to sow in the spring . I always start mine in a pot 2 seeds per pot and 6 at a time. The plant out when frost clear. I have a large garden but not a massive one which you need for butternut as they spread and spread. I grow mine near the fence so I can tie them up off the ground and support the fruit. I only got 4 large fruit this year from 5 plants which is acceptable.
ReplyDeleteGreat information, thank you. I need to find the best spot for things as soon as we move in. I shall take pics and post all along the way.
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