So is it Autumn or High Summer? As I sit here on a day of solid sunshine and 23 degrees, it’s easy to imagine that we’re still in August! Of course, we all know there have also been gales and rain this week so, even if slightly reluctantly, we’ll have to admit that it is indeed Autumn.
We are then in the midst of harvesting fruits and animals, plump from a glorious summer – lots of jams, pickles, sorbets and vinegars from the most generous harvest of plums we have ever seen. From the early Mirabelles, through the cultivated plums (Early Rivers and Quetsche), the many varieties of Damsons we grow (for instance, Shropshire Prune and King Damson) and lastly the Sloes which are still bending the boughs in the hedgerows, this has been an unprecedented harvest.
Our animals too have grown well through this unusual summer and are now fattening out on windfall fruits and falling greenery. First to visit the kitchen have been some of our stunning, if slightly disturbing looking, Transylvanian Naked Neck Cockerels – these strong, heritage cockerels have been slowly cooked in a traditional French manner to make an unctuous and tender Coq au Vin.
Next up we are working our way through last year’s piglets – having grown slowly over 9 – 18 months, our girls and boys are now fine strong animals with well developed muscles and fat. Fresh sausages then this week – Spicy Tuscan Fennel for the normal menu and Cumberland “Bangers” for our weekend brunch – why not join us for a Full Worton Breakfast this weekend?
Finally, we are busy preparing for the Michaelmas Goose Supper Club – a celebration of the grass fed, “green” goose of autumn and our traditional celebration of the change of season. For the full menu and the last few tickets – click here.
