We spent a chilly and slightly damp weekend in Ireland, just before Halloween, but the weather did not prevent me from picking sloes and this week I plan to make some Sloe Gin!
I love Autumn, the preparation for the cold of winter, making delicious supplies which will be here for both family, and as seasonal gifts for friends.
This week, as well as sloe gin, I plan to bake my Christmas cake, prepare some mincemeat and make various scrumptious chutneys.
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Sloes are mini plums, which grow wild,
be careful when picking as the trees are very thorny! |
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Some times they can be tricky to pick out
well hidden behind the bare branches. |
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It's worth the hard work though, there is nothing
as wonderful as warming glass of sloe gin
after a long winter's walk. |
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The crop was sparse this year,
but I hope I have enough for three to four bottles. |
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Amazingly the blackberries were still around,
my sister in law made a scrumptious blackberry
and apple crumble. |
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| And it was very wet... |
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| So lots and lots... |
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| of mushrooms |
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Sadly I didn't have an identification book with me
so left them well alone. |
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It was wonderful to come into the house
out of the chill and damp
and sit by the fire |
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| Or the range! |
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We were joined by some wonderful
Halloween characters |
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| And had a cheerful, fun |
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| Halloween evening. |
