Going back to Mozart - Morrison's celebrated his birthday today (OK - yesterday, as it's 1.25am) by playing his music all day in every one of their stores. Great idea and very well received by the shoppers, so I hear.

I'll bring those recipes for you Chantal - it's easier than typing them out!

Margaret.

I bottled lots of passata last year. Basic recipe - tomatoes in a roasting tin with some olive oil, bake 'til cooked, whiz up in the food processor and put in hot, sterilised jars. For variation, add any/combination of the following; garlic, onions, basil or other herbs, anchovies. If anyone's going...

It's Potato Day at Ryton this weekend - Saturday for members, Sunday for everyone - and all the experts will be there, including Alan Roman.

I've got peas and broad beans, lettuce and potatoes in the unheated tunnel, tomatoes and basil in the propagator. Looking good so far!

Poundland also have fleece, cloches, netting, bulbs, tomato food, organic top dressing, - lots of bargains. Lidl's seeds are good value, as are Aldi's.

Maybe it's me, but now my posting about fruit butters has vanished. In a nut shell - they're lovely but don't keep much beyond 6 months or so. Wash and chop 1.5g of fruit (such as apples) but don't core or peel. Cover with 1 litre of water and/or cider. Cook 'til really soft. Sieve and weigh the pul...

Oh look - it's arrived!

I also put a note on about fruit cheeses (with a recipe) but it seems to have disappeared - if anyone wants it, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll just sit here and rock gently...........

Fruit cheeses are very simple, store well and can be used like a jam or a chutney. They were usually made when there was a glut of fruit as they give a comparitively low yield per lb/Kg. Nevertheless, the texture is good and the intense flavour is excellent. For Damson cheese simmer 1.5Kg Damsons (s...

Sorry - got to reply - not least because I bought 30Kg of organic Seville oranges today. The difference in taste is obvious because it's more complex, not so sweet and varies in texture. There's room for all views and I'm not being pedantic about this. Suffice to say it takes a big chunk out of one ...

I've had a petrol Mantis for 3 years and it's used extensively. It's a wonderful piece of kit. I previously had a heavy Honda Rotovator which was very difficult to handle. If you're going to combine the use of a Mantis with a regular dressing of compost and a deep bed approach (at least a no soil tr...

I used them for the first time last year - always avoided them before 'cos they seemed a bit expensive. Got mine second hand at a garden open day. Very happy with the results - I'll be back there again this year. Let me know if you want me to bag a bargain for you too.

OK - Mamade's acceptable but if you want that contrast between sweet and sour that you get from proper Seville marmalade - you have to make it from scratch. The time is in the preparation - cutting up those d*** bits of peel. However, when you eat the marmalade on a summer's morning or make a wonder...

I make damson cheese and plum cheese, so assume you could adjust the recipe. Let me know if you want it.