Homegrown Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

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There is a very old apple tree in my garden, the last of an ancient orchard that was never replanted. When we bought the house we were told that it hadn’t produced any fruit for years but that despite this it gave a splendid show of blossom in the Spring. Our first winter arrived and with it came a freezing blizzard which blew in and settled it’s heavy icy snow crystals on all the trees. Many of them were felled that cold night by the sheer weight of the ice on their boughs. Our old apple tree lost two branches and I thought it would never recover. The next Spring true to form it flowered the most beautiful blossom, but when Autumn came around no apples appeared. As an experiment I planted two apple trees nearby hoping that when they flowered they would cross pollinate and give the tree some new life. To my amazement my plan worked and now several years later my tree is laden with juicy red apples. Read More

Making Kefir and a Blueberry Smoothie

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Spring is in the air, the English countryside in East Devon is humming with bird song, the trees are suddenly bright with with electric green leaves unfurling from their sleepy brown branches. Blossom from the apple tree is fluttering down like flowery snow covering the ground like a carpet of petals, making everything feel brand new and fresh. There is nothing which connects me more to the here and now and with such gratitude than when England throws off her winter cloak and blesses us with a sunny day. Read More

Nightshades and healing psoriasis

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Nightshades are a family of plants which include tomatoes, white potatoes, aubergine, peppers (all except black pepper), tobacco, goji berries and paprika. They go by the scientific name of solanaceae and includes over 2,800 plants, shrubs and trees. They all share in common alkaloids that are naturally occurring pesticides. These are thought to protect the plants from insects and viruses. It is these compounds which can cause an inflammatory response in the body, especially those who suffer from arthritis, chronic pain or psoriasis. When I first saw the list I couldn’t believe it, my favourite go to meal had always been a baked potato topped with ratatouille and melted cheese, I have often read that you are addicted to your poison, and this was never truer than in my case! Read More

Toast (Oas) Inspiration

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FOOD+DRINK / OAS | FOUR WOMEN – TIFFANY JESSE – FOOD ALCHEMIST

vegetable fermentationIt was a huge honour to be asked to be part of this Toast campaign. The campaign was to highlight the launch of their new work wear collection Oas. I have loved receiving their catalogues ever since I first got one through the post 11 years ago. It dropped through my door having been recommended by a friend and I was instantly smitten. I swiftly bought a soft grey blanket and a pair of slippers, hoping to emulate the warm and cozy world they presented. They were the first company that I had ever come across that really sold a life style that captured the imagination so well. Always inspiring, with beautiful styling and photography.I have been thinking for sometime that I would like to write a blog. I wanted to share some of the things I have learnt over the years with my children and friends. It didn’t really occur to me that others might be interested. After this piece came out, I realised from the feedback I got, how many people were looking for answers. Not only where their skin was concerned, but also about fermenting and how it can help restore gut health and a sense of well being.I’m still wearing the clothes I was sent a few weeks before the shoot. They get better and better with each wash, becoming my good and treasured friends.

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