Hannah's Country Kitchen

Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Thursday, 27 September 2007

I have been lucky enough to have been given some fresh walnuts by our of our neighbours Ros. Picking them is good fun, although messy as you end up with black hands! They now have to dry out but will be ready in time for Christmas. The nut bowl is something that usually sits on the side untouched during Christmas but I know that this year we will all be wanting to try the hand picked walnuts. Walnuts are so versatile and can be used in so many different dishes - both sweet and savory.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hannah, you make me miss my homeland so... I remember sitting and shelling walnuts from a tree that was 60 years old that my fathers father had planted when my dear father was a child and it seemed magical, I felt as though I was in contact with a man that I had not seen since infancy and had not really know at all (I left when I was six and returned after almost 20 years)... by the time I left at the age of six my grandfather had already passed away... Walnuts, quince, lilac and all in one's backyard, they are the memories of my childhood... you make them come alive again for me Hannah, thank you... Vida x x x; 27 September 2007 at 02:48
Marie Rayner said...: I have never picked my own walnuts! Sounds like fun and what a glorious treat you have to look forward to!
I'm not sure if you are in to making sandwiches or not, but I have an exciting blogging event going on just now. A Show Us Your Sarnie sandwich event and I have prizes as well if you are interested in participating! I bet you could come up with a really scrummy sandwich!; 27 September 2007 at 07:27
Figs, Bay, Wine said...: I can't wait to hear what they're like!; 27 September 2007 at 13:30
Rita said...: I don't think I have ever seen a walnut tree! When I looked at the photo it was hard to imagine what kind of fruit that was. :) I learnt something today! Thanks Hannah!; 27 September 2007 at 16:20
Joanna said...: Wonderful ... we planted a walnut tree 10 years ago, and hope that it will soon start to produce.

What about pickling some of them? I've never eaten a pickled walnut, but, one thing I know: they'll be far better home-pickled than bought! And I think there are other things you can do with a green walnut ...

Joanna
joannasfood.blogspot.com; 28 September 2007 at 09:42