The greenhouse has laid empty for 20 years, a few weeds poking their heads out in the spring and parched dry by July, so when the wonderful Pip and Jane offered to fill the greenhouse in April as we came out of the third lockdown, spring was in our hearts. Got to admit we weren’t certain that the plants would get to this stage but hope was stronger than fear.
Thanks to intrepid visitors who ventured all the way round the garden and watered the plants, and the lovely Sam who checks all is well, the first toms and peppers are ripening! Apples too are ready and one of our regulars is going to make Cornish Apple Cider (or is that cyder). If you want to try your hand at chutney please do.
Easy chutney recipe (half the ingredients or double depending on the crop!)
- 2kg tomatoes
- 1kg onions
- 2-3 medium sized peppers
- 250 g brown sugar
- 450 ml cider or white wine vinegar
Seasoning/spices to taste – I like to add mustard seeds, ginger, cumin, cloves and sometimes I make it hot with a couple of habanero peppers.
Chop the vegetables and sprinkle with salt, leave in a colander for an hour or two, even overnight. Heat the vinegar, dissolve the sugar and spices. Rinse the tomatoes and peppers and drain well, add to the vinegar and spice mix. Bring to the boil and then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Checking every now and again to make sure it doesn’t stick or burn.
Sterilise the jars by putting through the dishwasher as you start preparing the tomatoes. Enjoy and leave a jar for the next guests to pass the joy on.
Blue Seas St Mawes 