fruit

Cherry tree 2023

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Exciting is the best word for it. This Cherry Tree started from a pip dropped by birds and as it starts it’s third year, I have spotted blossom! So am quite chuffed about that.

July 2020

It looked super healthy the first year, and following that one. Last year was a bit touch and go with not watering it enough I think, and a rather slick ant farm operation that installed itself on it. I gave up fighting it in the end, but it struggled through.

And now as the new leaves get going, I spotted two blossom flowers, so am hopeful it will continue well on its growing journey this year.

(c) K Wicks

Little trees 🌳

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They are coming along. Season three for one of my cherries, and second season for what I think are more cherries and a plum tree. And first season for an apple tree.

I also saved an elderberry sprout which has established this year and looks healthy despite being overrun with aphids last year (as was the cherry). Those little ants really get on it with farming them, but despite looking weary at the end of last year, they’ve come back strong so far. It’s looking quite fruity in the garden too with the redcurrent, blueberry, gooseberry, loganberry and strawberry, although I misplaced the logan berry and it’s been overtaken by the buddleia. Maybe the little branch I planted last year will come through. We’ll see…

(c) K Wicks

Caramalised bananas

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Not sure why I hadn’t tried this previously, easy and delicious. Bananas, melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar over while they are lightly frying, turn over after a few minutes and cook on both sides. I put a little coconut on as well and had with vanilla ice-cream.

Use a banana that’s still a touch green as they hold better, and about 1 tbsp of butter per banana.

(c) K Wicks

Homemade cherry jam 🍒

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I have found jam making. I tried once a few years ago to make a plum jam, it was far too solid and sweet, and was forgotten. Until I had some cherries a few days ago, which i miss when they aren’t in season. So figured, starting turning things into storable items for when they aren’t in season. And being honest I wasn’t content with just cherry, so more to follow 😁

250g cherries

150g sugar

1 small lemon juiced

That’s it, just 3 ingredients and a short amount of time. Pit the cherries, cut up 3/4 of them, simmer in the lemon juice for 5-10 mins. Add the sugar, dissolve on low heat, then have at a rolling boil for 10 mins or so.

Then test, put a small blob on a plate in the fridge for 2 minutes, then check the consistency. That’s what I didn’t know to do years ago with the plum, which makes me one!

And from that, we get a small homemade jar of cherry jam 😋 🍒

(c) K Wicks

Free rhubarb

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A box of free rhubarb was on my walk today, so I thought don’t mind if I do and took a stick. The dog was a bit confused as to why it wasn’t for playing with 🤣. But I shall work out what to make with it, quite possibly an apple and rhubarb crumble as others been as age since I’ve had one.

(c) K Wicks