The long Easter weekend beckons…

The long Easter weekend is coming and although the weather will not be as summery come the weekend, there is a real optimism that things really are going to open up again after our long winter!   

Here at the farm, we are delighted that the Avian Flu restrictions on outdoor poultry have at last been lifted – the chickens and ducks are able to return to the forest and the pond and hopefully, by the weekend, will have responded with increased numbers of eggs!   Also we are lucky, once again, to have secured fresh goose eggs from Anne at Ascott Gardens  They may not be chocolate but there should be a wide range of delicious eggs nonetheless.

Also available, and just in time for Easter, we will be picking Aillettes – baby garlic.  Mild, sweet and used like Spring Onions, these are among the first spring harvests of the traditional French kitchen garden.  My favourite way to eat them is in an Omelettes de Paques – an Easter omelette.  Chopped, softened in butter and then mixed with the eggs of your choice – a perfect Easter morning breakfast! 

We are never puritans, however, so we have ordered extra chocolate from Vivien at Plantation Chocolates – we will have a variety of bars of her delicious chocolate for sale in the shop and online.

From Cornwall we have great fish and seafood again this weekend – Dayboat Hake as cutlets or, if you fancy a delicious alternative roast, as whole 2-3kg fish.  We also have Sardines, Squid, Skate Wings and more of those plump Wild Mussels.

From the greenhouse we will be picking the last of the indoor tulips, lots more Anemones, White Narcissi and the very first Ranunculus – you can order the flowers online or, if you want something specific, give me a call.

As ever we will be delighted to welcome you this week either to shop or to have a coffee and cake and to wonder round the gardens.  The forecast for the week suggests sun and warmth tomorrow and Thursday so why not come early and try one of our delicious sourdough Hot Cross Buns?  We will be open throughout the weekend and for the first time ever will be open on Easter Monday

We hope to see you over the next few days whether in the shop, the garden or both!