Podere Finerri

They are an excellent preserved fruit and a handy store cupboard stand-by. They can be used in any recipe calling for citrus peel. I even use them instrad of raisins in a whole host of recipes and eat them as snacks or use as toppings for salads. Rose hips are very high in vitamin C and make an excellent winter supplement

Like many late autumn fruit it’s best to pick rose hips after the first frost when they are fully ripe. Snap off the tails of the hips as close to the fruit as possible then spread the hips out on a clean surface (I tend to spread newspaper on a table and spread them out there). Allow to dry partially (when the skins begin to wrinkle) then split the hips and remove all the seeds with a small spoon or a pointed knife (be certain to remove all the seeds, as these can catch in the throat). Return the hips to your drying surface and allow to dry our completely (they must be completely dry, or they will not store) then either freeze in bags (they will keep indefinitely) or place in a clean jar and store in the refrigerator (they will keep for several months).

just finished picking…

beautiful, wild, passionate, one of the best couples we ever had here at The Lazy Olive

photos by Michela Del Forno www.weddingphotos.it

Another wedding here photographed by Catmon Photography soon!

So great to have Catherine back with the certainty that the unique moments and feelings and emotions of another couple who have chosen to get married at The Lazy Olive will be caught once again by her sensitive and careful eye in total freshness and spontaneity.

Another celebration of love told moment by moment by Catherine’s vibrant photos that are not just technically and aesthetically remarkable, but are always the touching story of feelings magically portrayed by this talented photographer. So many wedding photographers cannot put aside their ego producing just “beautiful photos”, aesthetically impeccable, self-celebrative images. Catherine is one of the few who can obtain stunning shots totally focused on catching the vibe of the moment, celebrating love and feelings, catching emotions.

Her wedding photos reproduce the heartbeat of the moment and are memories of incomparable value.

Thank you Cat!

www.catmonphotography.co.uk

JUST BEFORE THE HARVEST

We popped down to see Gianluca the other day. He lives just the other side of Asciano and keeps the most fantastic pigs. Some are a local breed, the Cinta Senese and others are a Gianluca blend. He’s making fantastic sausages and the most wonderful salamis and other preserved cuts. This one I’m slicing through is lombo preserved in wild fennel flowers, which gives the meat strong hints of aniseed. Everything is totally free range and organic.

He’s also doing a range of great organic sauces and preserves which are mouth-watering. We got so excited that we came home with a couple of Gianluca blend piglets to look after.

www.biologicailpiano.it

or Ayres in Wonderland

There always has to be dialogue and we don’t always agree but we love working together and every now and then the results are fantastic…

spending winter cooking and drinking…not so bad…

This year we had the privilege of hosting the wedding of Grattan and Karin. I’ve known Grattan for nearly 20 years and it was amazing that we were entrusted with such a huge moment.

Here are a few moments that we captured during the week…