Culinary Notes

There have been some novelties this year.  Yes we have grown cauliflower before but the abundance this year prompted a bit of experimentation with how they are cooked.  That's why the broken off florets are sitting in the food processor:

Deconstructed Cauliflower

 In a few seconds they are transformed into cauliflower couscous.  A couple of minutes cooking in a skillet with appropriate seasoning and viola!  See i-cant-believe-its-not-couscous if you want more extensive instructions.

The next novelty is something I have read about since purchasing my first gardening book (Dr Hessayon's Vegetable Expert) many years ago, but only now tried for the first time.

It is Asparagus Peas.  These grow quite happily in a tub at home and are quite decorative, with deep crimson flowers.  Best not to leave the pods too long before picking as they can turn quite tough and stringy, although the central seed pod remains succulent for longer than the frilly aerofoils.  Like most novelties they will not be repeated for a few years.

My last item is a banker rather than a novelty:

Sungold Cherry Tomato

When all other varieties let you down Sungold can be relied on to ripen on the vine, even in Scotland, producing a steady supply of balanced sharp/sweet gobstopper sized fruit that explode with flavour when popped in the mouth whole.  It is an F1 hybrid and exhibits hybrid vigour - as well as good flavour.