Elderflowers - Where Are You?

I have had two classes now, over the last four weeks, billed as learning how to make Elderflower Cordial - some hope. Not a flower for the first class, I managed just 10 heads for the second class - so we made some Elderflower Vodka instead! Although it has been warmer this week, the flowers are still only just beginning to break into full flower - I don't think I have known it so late. We still managed to cover cordial making in the classes but substituted citrus flavours instead. At least we could make the Herb Jellies and Strawberry jam!

The Rosie Makes It Easy Clubs are proving to be well received and we have had a request for individual packs as the lady is a carer for her husband and can't get out to a club night. I thought this was a very valid point as there are shift workers - and those who do not particularly like group events. So, of course, there is now an individual pack for just £15.00 per month. All details are all on the website or you can email me for to find out more.

I have been busy this week stocking up making Strawberry Jam, Piccalilli and Fiery Bengal Chutney - oh, and Courgette & Mint Relish and Herb Jellies. Hmmm, busier than I thought! Everything will start gathering pace now though so it is a good chance to make enough of the things like Herb jellies, that you perhaps don't need lots of, for the whole year. I have also been making herb halts and a new range of barbeque glazes for my Rosie Makes shop.

More news on the Jam Regulations - I requested the background information from Defra under the Freedom of Information Act and they failed to reply within 30 days - which are the terms of the Act. I emailed to chase and had no reply, and it was only when I threatened to take the matter to the relevant authority that they did reply. I have published this on The Guild of Jam and Preserve Makers website and you can read it for yourself. I have a meeting to discuss this with my MP, Alan Duncan, during July and I will update you after that meeting.

Also in July - the 13th - we are collecting 6 rescue chickens which is very exciting. The poor things will take around 2 months to return to full health, for their plummage to be restored and for their legs to strengthen. We are spending this weekend making their accommodation ship shape and I really hope that they come to love living in the country. Oscar, 4, can't wait either - 'I can start having an egg for my breakfast again Nanny'. I do hope so.

New recipes on my recipe site m.rosiemakesjam.com - lots of ways to search the site, the page will scale to phone, tablet or computer and recipes can be adjusted automatically by entering the weight of your main ingredient.  Let me know what you think!

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Making Piccalilli - yum!