Not Quite Winter - Yet

Boy oh boy did mother nature let us have a massive introduction to what we can look forward to this coming winter. We are only 1/2 way through May, still officially Autumn, and here we are getting the first frosts of the year, cold wind from the middle of the country, who welcomed in snow and a lot of rain for our southern friends.

We had the excitement of the aurora showing off its' beautiful pinks and reds. Unfortunately, despite some people seeing it in Dunedin we, personally, missed out as it was cloudy where we were. I felt quite jealous of all the beautiful photos that showed up on the news and face book. Ahhh what a cool experience.

In the meantime, Autumn here in the garden is one of the busier times as harvesting, preserving and tidying up the garden for next season continue. I finally found the time to make preserves from my black currants and also the remaining pears and apples that were hanging around. There is nothing quite like apple butter and pear butter to set off your brie cheese and walnuts. Soooo yum. I had never heard of apple butter until I was introduced to it by and American University Professor. Well I have been sold on it ever since. So easy to make, but it does take time.

The Blackcurrants that I had frozen around xmas got some of the preserving treatment as well. Cordial, jam and curd. The curd is amazing and I would recommend everyone to try it. Seriously, I can just eat it straight from the jar, but it would be equally perfect with homemade vanilla ice cream, on scones, or in your yoghurt for breakfast. Check out the recipe here http://daydreamingfoodie.com/making-blackcurrant-curd

You don't have blackcurrants you say - of all the plants in the garden these are the most productive (if I get to them before the chickens and birds) and resilient. They don't mind being in the shade, like to have damp feet and you can multiply your plants readily and you prune them during the harvest time. Mine are an old variety that used to grow in the hedge between our property and our neighbours. They are big and prolific.

I hope you enjoy the coming weekend and perhaps pop out and grab yourself a couple of blackcurrant plants, or ultimately, find a friendly gardener that will give you some cuttings.