Braided Onions

The weather was dreadful this weekend, so the volunteers made the wise choice to work under cover and braid the onions. They could then be hung, allowing the air to circulate, helping to prevent mold and rot.

Plum Tarte Tartin

One of our volunteers favourite plum recipe….not her own…but courtesy of Jamie Oliver!

600g ripe mixed-colour plums

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

120ml maple syrup

320g sheet of all-butter puff pastry (cold)

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF/gas 7.
  2. Place a 26cm non-stick ovenproof frying pan on a medium heat.
  3. Halve and destone the plums, add to the pan with 30ml of water, and cook for 1 minute.
  4. From a height, sprinkle over half the cinnamon, then evenly pour over the maple syrup.
  5. Place the pastry over the plums, using a wooden spoon to push it into the edges of the pan, and trimming off any excess to patch up little gaps, if needed.
  6. Bake at the bottom of the oven for 16 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
  7. Making sure you use oven gloves to protect your hands, confidently and very carefully turn the tarte out on to a plate bigger than the pan.
  8. Dish up with nice round scoops of ice cream, sprinkle over the remaining cinnamon from a height and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Learning to use a Scythe

This morning Roger, showed one of our youngest volunteers how to use a scythe. This is a traditional way to cut grass and was used to cut the wildflower meadow. This will help the wildflower seeds reach the soil and grow next year. Cutting also removes the tall grass and dead plants, which stops them building up and making the soil too rich. Strong grasses and weeds can then take over and push out the wildflowers.

Drying Calendulas

We are currently drying our Calendulas. Once fully dry we can then make infused oil and balms. These are well known for their soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The process is easy and we will update you when they are dry and ready….why not try it? A great thing to do with the children in the summer holidays.

RHS Wentworth Woodhouse …part 3

Today some of our team have left their wellies and gloves back at Holme Grown Eastby HQ for the opening day of RHS Wentworth Woodhouse. Watch out for Abby’s amazing dress….looking very fitting with carrots and beets! Don’t they scrub up well!