it's nearly time ...

... to go blackberrying! we went for a recce to a local hill the other night to check out the blackberry situation - still a little early, some green and some red berries but the black juicy looking one that i tried definitely failed the taste test for sourness!

here's a recipe courtesy of janet brinkworth and good food live ...

blackberry chutney
makes approximately 500g chutney

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
3cm ginger, finely chopped
2 large red chillies, finely chopped
500g blackberries
45g caster sugar
30ml red wine vinegar

• heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan. add the red onion, ginger and chilli.
• fry gently for 4 to 5 minues until softened.
• add blackberries and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then.
• add in the sugar and vinegar, mixing well.
• bring to the boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened.
• allow to cool.
• if being stored, this chutney should be spooned into hot, sterilised jars, when still hot. cover with waxed paper discs and cool. once cooled, seal and store until using.

apparently it's perfect with cheese and crusty bread - can't wait for those berries to ripen!

feeling a little wistful at the more noticeable change in seasons just now. i certainly can't complain given that we've had a great summer and certainly made the most of the daylight hours but i couldn't help feeling a little sad at the thought of the departure of the martins. i watched a few last night from the garden but haven't seen any today, and they're normally quite active around the roof of the office building where i work. doesn't seem that long ago since we saw those first joyous harbingers of spring at applecross. and now their departure heralds the arrival of autumn.