Janurary News
The garden is snoozing here at Lettercollum.
We have pickings of salads and herbs from the tunnel, which continue to slowly grow and we are eating our way through the large patch of leeks and brassicas that are growing outside. All other gardening is done from the comfort of an armchair with the seed catalogues.Our annual tree planting has been accomplished. This years planting includes plenty of native oaks, ashes and pines and some maples. On the edible front we have planted a variety of plums, apples and pears, a small copse of cobnuts and a new gooseberry patch. The next mission will be to get some bees to go with the new manuka plant that we were given for Christmas. Manuka is a plant that grows throughout New Zealand and bees feeding on the flowers produce honey that is well known for it’s antibacterial and healing properties. Hopefully it will enjoy living in an Irish garden. We’re obviously a long way off from Manuka honey, we haven’t even bought a hive yet, but we’re inspired.
This months recipe is Seafood Chowder. It’s a warm and comforting dish for this time of the year and falls into the category of one pot wonders – a satisfying feed with very little washing up.
The fish stock is the only component that will cause any complications. It is easy to make but it does entail bones which means a visit to the fishmonger or the market. If this is difficult just use chicken or vegetable stock. If you are using mussels soak them in a bowl of clean water for an hour before using if you have time and if you don’t like mussels add more fish.The recipe makes a hearty dinner for two or a bowl of soup for four