Wednesday 6 January 2016

Macro Salad and Bean Sprouts

Gentle Reader ~~~

A little late, but I wish you all a Happy, Healthy New Year 2016. I hope all our dreams and aspirations for the coming year come true, and that everyone had a peaceful and joyful Christmas too.

Regrettably, the New Year was heralded in with unfortunate news that will, for a short while, mean that I will not be writing here as often as I would like as there are daily challenges ahead that demand my focus and full attention. Some of you are aware of what has happened, and I ask that you make no reference to it in your comments, should you chose to leave one.  It is the first time ever I have not stayed up to see the New Year in.

When time permits, if the muse is upon me, I may write a few words, but until I can settle into the new routine demanded by the challenges ahead, they will be intermittent.

I apologise for not replying to all the comments you so kindly left recently too but will try to reply to any left here, even if late.

I am continuing to plan changes to the garden for the coming growing season, which in itself comes with a set of ever changing challenges, most noticeably the peculiarly warm Winter. My main challenge, once the impact of such warm and windy Winters is addressed, is to make it more easily managed as I grow older, but first it must be reclaimed and brought back under control after two years of neglect. A plan of action is needed, and as a classic Libran I am my own worst enemy, for procrastination and changing my mind are fine art forms and at both I excel. However, in the meantime, I am starting to grow some edible crops indoors.

Fed up with eating bagged salads over the winter, today I made a purchase of a little windowsill herb and salad grower which I hope will soon provide me with a regular supply of micro salads and fresh herbs. I had a £20.00 voucher I won in a competition which I put towards this. The natural lighting in the cottage of a low riding sun in Autumn and Winter, even in early Spring, regardless of which window is used, is poor, and everything grows leggy and miserable. I know micro salads are the fashionable buzzword, but the intention is that this little propagator should provide me with several successive sowings of nutrient rich, fresh mixed leaves and herbs to get me through to April or May by which time the outdoor crops should be growing well.

I have started sprouting seeds again. I really enjoy sprouted seeds, beans, and grains, and this is an easy way of getting great tasting food and extra good nutrition into my diet. I have several pots on the go to ensure a regular and fresh supply, one of mixed seeds, another with alfalfa, some sprouted wheat grains, and the omni~present mung beans for stir fries.  Besides in stir fry, sprouted seeds and grains make flavoursome and crunchy toppings for salads, fillings for sandwiches, even sprinkled over hot soups and stews. One of my favourites to make is a salads of mixed sprouted beans tossed in a honey mustard yoghurt dressing. Served with freshly baked crusty bread it is so delicious.

So, my friends, expect me when you see me ~~~ I may be here in a week, I may not be back for a month, but I hope you will remain until I can return ~~~ and in the meantime, for those of you who do, enjoy Downton Abbey!

Until next time,
Sincerely yours,
Deborah xoxo

10 comments:

  1. Certainly will remain, and certainly understand. Will miss you. I'm sending a private message via email. Keep the stiff upper lip! You are going to make it and be fine. Love, Jane xoxo

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  2. Another beautiful header! I did not get the hang of sprouts in the 70s and I don't know if I should try again. LOL
    Prayers with you. We are NOT in our house yet, the bank messed up.
    The last comment I left a month ago didn't post, so I must learn this too! Sprouts and Posts.
    >o<
    Margot

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  3. Take all the time you need, dear friend. We will be here when you are able to come back. Okay, I was not going to say anything, but I am one of those odd people who have not watched Downton Abbey. I was unable to get it on my cable service when it came out. I did not want to start watching it "mid-stream" as it was. I watched it last Sunday and am hooked! I will definitely get the series to watch from the beginning.

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  4. Dearest Deb, you are in my thoughts. I'm happy to see your post this evening. Your indoor garden sounds like a wonderful way to harvest fresh sprouts and other goodies over the winter. I do hope you will keep us updated about your indoor garden as you have time.
    I hope to share a post about Downton Abbey soon. The new episode was quite enjoyable. I'm still in shock that this is the last season!
    Hugs to you, my friend! xoxo ♥

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  5. I have missed you and wish you well! xoNellie

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  6. Take care we are always here for you x

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  7. I do hope that you can manage to overcome the challenges, Deb and I will definitely keep a look out for any posts that you manage. I also hope your salad production is successful.

    All my best wishes.

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  8. Hope everything is going to be all right. I'll miss your visit and this blog.

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  9. Thinking good thoughts for you. I will be here to check from time to time. Enjoy Downton!

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  10. Welcome your posts at any time, and sending good thoughts your way. Hoping all goes well, and the indoor garden sounds like a grand idea. Take care. jenmiller.

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