It's that time of year when I finally get to reap the harvest of the tomato seeds sown way back in early spring. Last year I didn't get a single ripe tomato until the late August bank holiday weekend, which felt about a month later than usual (they are grown outside, rather than in a greenhouse in case you are wondering). This year was a little better with the first fruit turning ruby red just as I returned from holiday in early August. There has been a steady stream of ripe tomatoes ever since but this week as seen me somewhat inundated.
I have two varieties: Roma, a plum tomato variety; and the ever-reliable Gardener's Delight, which produces cherry tomatoes. This is the second year that I've grown Roma and although great for cooking, I have had a bit of trouble with the tomato blight disease so this could be my last year. Anyway, I picked 2kg of Roma mid-week and a further 1.5kg yesterday and so I've been making roasted tomato sauce, much of which is going in the freezer.
The cherry tomatoes are delicious and juicy, and have been brightening up salads all month. However, I've just spotted an interesting recipe for Honey Baked Feta which uses cherry tomatoes so that's going to be on the menu this evening. I can't wait!
Meanwhile, I'm having a clear out of wardrobes and the loft in anticipation of welcoming a new house guest at the end of the month. This has already resulted in one trip to the local charity shop and I foresee a couple more trips on the not-too-distant horizon. A couple of items have gone straight in the bin and I always feel guilty about such action as I know it is just going to go to landfill. However, they are items that don't have a category either in what is collected by the local refuse and recycling service, nor at the local household recycling centre so I really have no other option in this instance.
It's not that I haven't tried other options, which led me to an inspiring website that I couldn't resist sharing. It's called Upcycle That and is full of ideas of what to do with different materials (Use That), a few tutorials for specific ideas (Make That), and also items that have already been up cycled and are available to purchase (Buy That).
I spotted a great stool made from a washing machine drum which I must remember to tell my friend in Italy about. He has turned a couple of old washing machine drums into fire pits so he may be inspired to do something a bit different the next time he comes across an abandoned washing machine. Actually, perhaps we could collaborate, with me providing the cushions for the top? Hey Stuart, what do you think?!
If that idea seems a bit large scale for you, there are also some much smaller and simpler projects under the Decor section. It's a veritable gold mine of ideas - and also a bit of a time sink so before you take a look make sure there isn't anything urgent that you should be doing in stead.... you have been warned!
Right, well I had better get on. The roasted tomato sauce should be cool enough to go in the freezer and I've a pile of things to go up into the loft (with, hopefully, an even larger pile to come out at some point!)
No comments:
Post a Comment