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