My friend has her allotment in a neighbour's garden. It seems a real sin to me as the garden in question lays vacant, unused and overgrown. In my small row of houses we struggle for garden space and just behind us is this unwanted gem of space crying out for a goat or two! Fruit trees live unattended and what it bears lays rotting in the grass. It's about time we sorted ourselves out and appreciated what we have around us and used it. But values change and shopping in a supermarket has brought about a need for produce to look perfect, unblemished and there when we want it. All shame to those with rotting apples in their garden.

But, the sun is shining and I have a fridge full of strawberries and rhubarb too. So tomorrow I am going to put all the strawberries in a pan, crush them with a potato masher and cook them gently for 5 minutes. I will then add the equivalent weight in pectin enriched sugar, letting it dissolve and then simmer for about 10 minutes until the syrupy mixture is at setting point. Test by placing a little on a saucer and letting it sit for a few minutes. Push with your finger and hope it wrinkles. Pouring into clean warm jars and sealing your creation is a strangely satisfying feeling and to then see the jars lined up on your kitchen counter gives immense pleasure. All shapes and sizes, labeled and ready to go. Preserving is fab.

Keep as presents or spread liberally on hot brown toast!

If this is not your thing try making some meringues or shortbread and serve with plenty of strawberries fresh whipped cream! Mmmmmm............

The subject matter is an enormous one but mainly focusing on weight and healthy eating. A subject close to my heart but a subject that I feel is not quite as clear cut as is made out. Children, especially, grow at different rates and grow out of puppy fat. Some children may be very tall for their age and have a large frame, some petite. Children are all weighed in Reception and Year 6 but often find this an embarrassing thing to do. They should not be made to feel conscious of weight at 4/5 years old. It can not be good for later life and I have met many heads of schools that do not agree with this obligatory chore. 

Enough of my rant, we ate seasonal, local food, prepared with care. Most of it grown or reared on the farm, I tucked into a spicy daal and my luncheon companion had a pork crumble with roasted vegetables and mash. The view was wizard, across the ridgeway, dotted with sheep. A delicious carrot cake to finish and then off for some speed dating. Sorry did I say dating, I meant networking! Anyway, in my case, it was off to make lemon and berry cheesecake with year 2 at Eastrop Infants. Infinitely better!

You can make it by crushing 12-14 biscuits, like digestives or an oaty sort of thing- aldi does a fantastic one called Oaties- Add 2 heaped tsps good cocoa and 60g melted butter. Combine and turn onto a dish. Press down well. Mix together a tub of cream cheese- again try aldi for that, its only 59p a tub- 4tbsp greek yoghurt, 3 tbsp icing sugar and the juice of a lemon. Pour onto the base and top with some frozen fruits of the forest, or if it is summer time some seasonal berries. The lemon juice will set the cheese after about half an hour. It should make enough for at least 4 people! Yum!