'' ...but some of us are looking at the stars''

A big (not to mention odd) moment, I have just purchased some cows horns from the Biodynamic Agriculture Association. I used Paypal. How bizarre.

Encouragingly they also have the forms for biodynamic conversion, making the whole process seem attainable. I've read about wineries being 'in biodynamic conversion' for years but now I can actually aim to start the process myself.

If you're completely at a loss as to why I'm buying cows horns and what biodynamics is, you could have a look at www.biodynamic.org.uk

National hive

Am the proud new owner of a National type bee hive.

A bit raggedy at the seams but a good clean up should make it a suitable home for bees.

I plan to keep them on the pub roof, where they will be undisturbed and have marvellous access to the flora around Easton.

Any local beekeepers with swarms, do please let me know as I am dying to get started.

So, if you see me in a beekeeping suit, scaling the rooftops of the pub, please don't think I have gone mad.

Or maybe I have.

Piglet football

PS piglet update, I bought them a football yesterday. I swear to god they have either eaten it or one of them has chipped it out of the pen and into the adjacent fields.

'We need a bigger football'.

The cod issue

Ahh, the cod issue.

I spend a lot of time thinking about, talking about and cooking cod.

Some day I will write a post on this very complicated subject, but for now here is a piece from The Times. Please bear in mind that (as with most journalism in my opinion) this is just a bunch of hastily regurgitated research, and the journalist really doesn't know a great deal about the subject.

That said, the alarmist tone he strikes does at least convey the direction we are heading in.

And the comment about prawns farmed in warm climates in ponds is very true. So, do enjoy your next 'value' prawn sandwich from the supermarket!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article7137323.ece

Fair weather smallholder

Agreed with the farmer that I will take on daily tending to the animals at the smallholding. I feel bad I haven't been doing this over the winter and tell myself that I was busy running the kitchen; but I think the bad weather may just have been a factor.

Driving over there is itself a pleasure and I am trying to keep the landrover at a leisurely pace, to enjoy the whole experience. The piglets are displaying huge character (a shy one, a curious one, a bold fellow who nearly ate from my hand...). After the Mangalitza experiment this litter is much more practical, and look like they will turn into superb baconers. With the temperature rising I filled a large water trough and the whole litter instantly crowded round showing great curiousity. I'm slightly worried one might jump in and dr0wn - so spent some time looking for some old wood or such to fashion a 'pig bath escape mechanism'; but with no success.

The four remaining hoggets are also rather likeable and I'm looking forward to fattening them up a bit (for their delectation, and mine). That might sound a grim sentiment but there is real satisfaction in seeing them hoover up food, hopefully becoming happier and healthier in the process.

I'll have to try and post some pictures on them soon.

Home made ice cream with my new Kitchen Aid ice cream attachment

Have just made a batch of vanilla ice cream with my new kitchen Aid ice cream maker attachment, with help from the children. Recipe from River Cottage. Four eggs (satifyingly, from the hens, laid this morning). 500ml cream (used whipping cream, 33% fat vrs double cream at 35%), only had vanilla essence to hand (random amount) plus 130g caster sugar. I didn't cool the cream fully so it didn't quite set in the bowl; however the mixer attachment seems to work very well. Ob b****, just writing this I've realised I doubled the cream in the recipe but forgot to double the rest. Oh well, the first results were passable, will take more time over batch number two. Snail ice cream here we come.

WSET wine courses

I've been meaning to start a blog for the pub since the very morning I arrived here, so here at last is a start.

A word about the WSET. A little known fact - I am registered as a tutor for the Wine and Spirit Education trust. Have just been updating my details on their website, http://www.wsetglobal.com/- well worth a look if you are interested in learning about wine in a more formal, structured way (which, if truth be told, is the only way to really learn anything about the subject). I can offer tuition leading to the exams up to Advanced level. Course dates planned for this autumn, but in the meantime please contact me for more information, Tim.