Okay, so lots of people cook with stuff from their garden. Me included. But this one felt special - it's rare, here, to be able to rely solely on the garden, at least not for a traditional fully cooked family meal, especially outside autumn's bountiful peak. Rarer still to have the husband decree it a significant event and declare himself photographer-for-a-day.Still have to pinch myself that the family seem to have gently started discovering the joys, or at least the practicalities, of a kitchen garden. A few nights later Chris was musing what a revelation it had been to walk around, kitchen knife in hand, bowl tucked in his arm, selecting bits and pieces to go in that night's tea. Even Lydia, having declared she wanted to include a salad with each meal, made herself a cos-based salad. What a shock to realise she'd actually been out in the garden picking those leaves herself!
This one was inspired by the discovery of a handful of lovely purple-skinned potatoes when clearing one dying plant and the almost ready to pick state of the closely observed shallots. Those would be the first successfully homegrown potatoes I've had - lets not count a few strays discovered from 'failed' plants tried once or twice before.
Anyway, here's the finished plate (now I know why food photography is considered such an art!) and a happysnap of the cook. Luckily it tasted a hell of a lot better than that looks.Steak and veg, old style. Potatoes tossed with sauteed shallots, all from the garden. Steamed cabbage ... FTG. Shallot tops and herbs for garnishing ... FTG. Accompanying lettuce leaf salad ... FTG.
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