I feel like I have a lot of hats, one for each job I have in life. Some are chosen, some are not.

Wife, baker, chutney fairy, furniture restorer, gardener, accountant, bin lady… 

Over the years, people have said to me that I should write cookbooks… I thought that writing this blog would at least get everything down in one place and give me the chance to just send people links to particular recipes when they asked.

BUT… 

… the old blog is now getting more and more hits, sometimes hundreds a day. I continue to be amazed by folks’ interest in what goes on here, down on the little old farm and in my kitchen.

And which pages do you think are the most popular? It’s the recipes and at this time of year, it’s the multiple courgette ones every time. 

Several years ago, my husband, God love him, came out with that age-old phrase ‘what’s for dinner darling?’ Before I had time to draw breath, he looked on the kitchen worktop and exclaimed ‘oh no not another bloody courgette!’ I think the idea for my first cookbook was pretty much decided for me on that day. 

I started putting my recipe inventions down on paper and a few years later, I have now managed to get everything together in one place which is now published in an e-book, available now  here. 

Many of my recipes are invented based on what I have in my fridge and certainly what I have growing in the garden and what is in season. Isn’t that how it should be? 

When I finally pressed the big red button to publish the book online a couple of weeks ago, I was amazed that in the 48 hours following, folk were actually buying it. 

So does that mean I am now allowed to add another thing to my CV? Am I now a writer? (blush) Or am I still just that mad crazy lady with the dogs that rambles on about growing veg and all the things you can do with courgettes?  

I’m already working on my next one… This could get addictive you know. What a fantabulous way to get the old creative juices flowing. A seasonally based allotment cookbook. Yes, there will be courgettes, and rhubarb, oh and runner beans. My preserving pan brain doth bubble over with ideas already. 

So if you’ve already bought my first one, can I give you a great big hug right here and now? Thanks millions. Honestly, I’m touched, and grateful, and humbled. 

In the meantime, I must go and create something interesting with a butternut squash and whatever’s in my fridge. 

TTFN X