The only veggies missing from the picture above (other than the tomatoes) are the cucumbers, the seeds for which came all the way from America (thank you, Cece!). There must be hundreds of cucumbers. They're even more prolific than the courgettes (zucchini).
In my search for cucumber recipes, I actually found one for cucumber ice cream. But I think I must draw the allotment ice cream making line here!
After just a short time in the roasting tin, they're so super-sweet and tasty!And we have new 'pizza night' plates! I dithered over them for ages in the Emma Bridgewater sale last month. I'm so happy I finally gave in.
* I do say to-MAY-to, and everyone--and I mean everyone--immediately corrects me with a very firm to-MAH-to!
The recipe is from David Lebovitz' The Perfect Scoop, my frozen dessert bible. I was hoping to make raspberry ice cream but was limited by the ingredients I had on hand. So ended up working in true allotment spirit and 'made do'!
While the repetition of a certain vulgar phrase proved somewhat maddening, the novel was compulsively readable and the heroine highly entertaining. I particularly liked the snippets of 'advice' she dispensed so convincingly: at one point she very nearly persuaded me to adopt a cat (quite impossible in our small flat)!
The cover features the textile design 'Calyx' by Lucienne Day. 'Calyx' was launched at the Festival of Britain in 1951 and is now considered an icon of Midcentury Modern design, a style and period I love. And I think this print by artist Angie Lewin captures a similar spirit:
Alliums and Fennel by Angie Lewin
lithograph
Angie Lewin's prints are inspired by her surroundings in Norfolk as well as her own interest in Midcentury Modern design. I'm big fan, and G and I are really looking forward to attending her forthcoming exhibition at St. Jude's Gallery in Aylsham.
Sometimes simple is best.
In one of the courtyards:
Injecting the slip into the molds:
Clay for recycling:
Painting 'Starry Skies':
I was secretly hoping to come upon some 'Cambridge Blue' (my favorite pattern, now sadly discontinued) in a dusty back corner, but no such luck. The factory was far too tidy in this regard!
The factory tour was amazing. I'd never realized how truly 'handmade' Bridgewater pottery is. Every step is done by hand: injecting the slip into the molds, unmolding the pieces, removing the seams, glazing, decorating, firing...
Along the way, we met and chatted with the employees, who were all incredibly friendly and took real pride in their work.
While customers in the shop are sometimes taken aback by the price of Bridgewater, I can now say hand-on-heart that it is worth every penny. In fact, I'm surprised it doesn't cost more considering the time invested in each piece.
After the tour, we were treated to a wonderful picnic lunch in the factory courtyard, which was followed by an impassioned speech by Matthew Rice (Emma's husband) on the importance of buying British. Well said!
And finally, here's a picture of Matthew designing a special plate, which will hopefully be on its way to its recipient (can you guess?) very soon:
