Jam & Lavender...

Jam & Geraniums sounds better, but I dont have any Geraniums in the garden so Jam & Lavender it is!

Jam & Lavender although not together, but I think that sounds quite tastey?  This was so simple to make, ive put of for years attempting to make jam as I thought Id need an expensive array of kitchen parafanalia.  Turns out you can make a basic strawberry jam with no more than a thick bottomed pan!  It tastes gorgeous. 

I cheated a little and used shop bought strawberries (as it was too wet to go picking) but think that if there are any strawberries left next week we'll have a go at picking them.  I can see a few of these going in the store cupboard for Christmas prezzies. 

It has given me the confidence to give a few other preserves a try as well, Ive spotted a couple of Nigella ones in 'How to be a domestic goddess'.  I'll keep you posted if Im brave (or foolish) enough to give them a go.  I love mango chutney but have never tasted 'the real thing' only shop bought jars and wonder if I would like 'the real thing' or if my palate has been ruined with the preservatives?

I mentioned a while back how gorgeous our garden is, wild and uncared for but still pretty gorgeous.  The Lavender is totally wild & woody, overgrown & in need of a bit of brutal pruning.  This year however we have been enjoying the bees that have been buzzing around it from dawn till dusk.  They provide hours of entertainment and are just really quite jolly in how round, fluffy and busy they are.

The lavender has been 'harvested' twice this year in preparation for making a few Christmas goodies (Im thinking lavender sugar as well as a few scrubs & smellies).  The airing cupboard smells heavenly & heady; luckily the girls all love lavender and have enjoyed having lavender bags in their pillows.  The boys on the other hand are far from keen and have resisted all attempts to bring a bit of lavender into their rooms; I havent given up though and will try to sneak some in somewhere

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