I am going to encourage those of you who have never used yeast, or made bread, to give this recipe a go as Stollen is such a traditional Christmas ingredient, although obviously not originating in the UK. A tip is to make sure that the milk you add is only lukewarm, too hot and you will kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise. I put mine to prove in my airing cupboard, but anywhere warm and free of draughts is suitable, so not near a window or open door! You can of course make your own marzipan too but that might be a step too far, although actually it is quite an easy process. Continue reading “December Recipe: Tear and Share Stollen Ring”
Reasons to Christmas Shop in Ledbury …
We are very proud of our independent shops in Ledbury. Our town’s attractions have been recognised by none other than the Guardian in its feature on 10 great places to go Christmas shopping in Europe! They say, “There may be more obvious places for a festive UK shopping spree – Bath, with its Georgian backdrop and artisan quarter; Brighton for its fun vibe; Manchester and London for the sheer choice – but little Ledbury in Herefordshire is a picturesque, stress-free option. With its stilted 17th-century Market House, timber-framed buildings, great independent shops and arty vibe, the market town has bags of atmosphere. Plus it’s in a particularly lovely part of the country, should a winter walk beckon.” Continue reading “Reasons to Christmas Shop in Ledbury …”
So Harvest is Over …

So harvest is over ! Our Summer family of pickers are mostly homeward bound after a very busy and lucrative time here. They go home to their communities hoping for good snow as many of them work in the ski business in the winter. They were a good crew and we hope we will see most of them next year. Continue reading “So Harvest is Over …”
Christmas Fayre at The Feathers Hotel on Thursday 16 November
The annual fundraiser Christmas Fayre organised by Rebecca from Aylton is on Thursday from 4.00 – 8.30 pm. This year proceeds will be split between the Royal Agricultural Benevolence Institution (RABI) and Aylton Church. Continue reading “Christmas Fayre at The Feathers Hotel on Thursday 16 November”
November Recipe: Chestnut and Leek Pie
I do hope you enjoy this as it would be a delicious alternative on Christmas Day for vegetarians should you be entertaining any. My father, who was strictly a meat man, thought it was lovely. I would make my own shortcrust pastry, but if you are not happy with making your own then by all means buy ready made, just try to get an all butter version. Continue reading “November Recipe: Chestnut and Leek Pie”
October Recipe: Cider-Baked Apples with Buttermilk Rice Pudding
I do hope you like this recipe. I use Jersey milk when making a rice pudding or bread and butter pudding, please do not use skimmed or semi skimmed. Any eating apples will be fine, we are spoilt for choice at this time of year. Continue reading “October Recipe: Cider-Baked Apples with Buttermilk Rice Pudding”
Castle Fruit Farm Harvest 2017 – Part 2

Harvest is half way through ! The plums have all been picked and packed and sold, the conveyor was put into storage and a cheer went up from Mr B and Damian our packhouse manager. It has been a good year but as you may have noticed Autumn came early. The chill was in the morning air by August 8th and this hastened all fruit into ripeness. Clive and the teams worked long hard hours to get the plums in and now the apples are following fast and earlier than usual. The packhouse worked hard to pack and despatch 147 tons of plums. Continue reading “Castle Fruit Farm Harvest 2017 – Part 2”

