Chatback 7

[cariann88]

Hmmm, sun has gone in now that I had my shower. It's gone dull and windy. Think this afternoon I am going to read my book before making tea later.

[Florence Fennel]

There, there, Dotty, it'll be fine. How about drying some of the toms and preserve in oil in jars? I've never done it, so I can't advise, but shop bought are tasty so imagine how home grown will taste Raining here What were you doing creeping about at that time this morning BB?

[Greenleaves]

Afternoon all,just got back from stables with 6 trugs of well rotted manure. It's laid on the beds drying out in the sun. Just having a spot of lunch before I go hoe the beds.

Hope you washed your hands BM

[Strawberry patch]

Good evening everyone...Hope everyone is having a good day so far...So glad my 1st day back at work is over..OMG!!!..I hate Mondays!!..We have had a mixture of weather here today..Sunny weather in the morning then showers in the afternoon...Enjoy the rest of your evening peeps

[Bren In Pots]

Evening its only 8-ish and it's dark already

[Greenleaves]

Evening its only 8-ish and it's dark already

Take the pot off Bren

[Florence Fennel]

Evening its only 8-ish and it's dark already

We'd got the lamps on at half seven Bren and in the last couple of days my butterfly solars on the fence have been on at half seven and off by ten. I don't mind the dark nights so much, it's quieter when the children go indoors for one thing. It's the dark mornings I'm not looking forward to

[Greenleaves]

I guess I am a bit like Flo, dark evening are fine, can close the curtains, light the fire and relax, dark mornings are depressing unless its really a hard frost that makes everything seem so much cleaner

[Jay22]

Had the lights on at 5.30pm so that I could iron! W is on it's way!

[Scarlet]

Am having a bit of a 'wobble', about 'preserving tomatoes in any other way, apart from freezing and chutney. My freezer is full, I have sufficient chutney, and I made Passata last week, but now am worried it's going to be 'safe'? and not kill us from botulism or food poisoning. I picked another 6/7 lbs this morning, froze 2.5 lbs, and still have loads more red ones ready for plucking, and lots that will be ready tomorrow etc. I'm going to give more away to neighbours later, but any ideas? and any reassurance please?

Look up pasteurising methods for your piece of mind..reheating again in a saucepan of water is all I've ever done. Ensuring everything is washed, and sterilised and your there. The bacteria can be found in the soil although botulism cases are very rare. Teakdesk has edited her last thread..think there was some confusion over storing fresh chillies /garlic in oil, which I would never do, but I've made plenty of tomato ketchup, chilli oil (using dried chillies) pickled garlic (which I've kept for a year or more) and my kids are still here....

[Scarlet]

Had the lights on at 5.30pm so that I could iron!

Can you come and do mine? I'm in the dog house...taken number 2 son to the hospital (long day) got home and realised that with all the hassle of his dislocated shoulder that I haven't washed Number 1's kit to play rugby tomorrow. He's going to have to pick it off the floor and wear it again! Now if it was in the basket this morning I would have remembered.....

[Dorothy rouse]

Look up pasteurising methods for your piece of mind..reheating again in a saucepan of water is all I've ever done. Ensuring everything is washed, and sterilised and your there. The bacteria can be found in the soil although botulism cases are very rare. Teakdesk has edited her last thread..think there was some confusion over storing fresh chillies /garlic in oil, which I would never do, but I've made plenty of tomato ketchup, chilli oil (using dried chillies) pickled garlic (which I've kept for a year or more) and my kids are still here....

Scarlet, I did do this,following your advise, I reheated all the jars of passata I'd made, and put into sterilised jars. I was reading some Italian recipes, and others, and just wondered if I'd done enough! I'll need to make more, cos still got loads. At the end of the day, if when I open it, it kicks me in the face and looks green, I won't use it!

I've never had a problem with jam, chutney or any pickles I've ever made, always been ok, just me being daft.

[Scarlet]

Just make sure the tomatoes are heated through again and they will be fine..same with jams though...if the lid hasn't popped, I eat it ASAP!

[Jeanied]

Evening all - dog and I had a good ramble round the park, and she had a lovely swim with her labrador chum - result a tired girlie who really fancies lying down on the floor and gnawing rawhide for the rest of the evening. Only interrupted by a bit of plate cleaning when supper was eaten by humans! And as she dried out the conditioner sprayed on her by the groomer has re-activated so she smells lovely

[Florence Fennel]

Good Morning! I spoke too soon - it was dark this morning when I got up It's very foggy here, but warm. My long weekend has been lovely, it feels like I've been off for a week. Have a good day