Hello, I’m back!

Apologies for a couple of weeks of silence but I have been holidaying in South West France, the Lot-et-Garonne region, wine and musketeer country. I thought I’d have an internet connection to keep in touch when I was out there but it proved to be intermittent at best and the pull of the sunshine, the view (vines and sunflowers on undulating hills) and a good book were just too strong to keep me slaving away at it.

I’ve a couple of other things to post about, not least a great trip to the strange and marvelous Albi cathedral (and gorgeous restaurant we found just steps away, of course!), but first I wanted to share with you my revelation about fresh herbs.

At home I usually have a packet of parsley, thyme or basil in the fridge - bought ‘fresh’ in a bunch they clearly pack a stronger punch than their dried cousins but then, at the house where we were staying (my Dad’s) there was rosemary, sage, thyme and bay, I picked them one evening to make a little bouquet garni to go in the lentil and goat’s cheese stew bubbling on the stove and the explosion of flavour was amazing.

I had not fully appreciated that herbs picked off the plant were so MUCH richer, deeper and more fragrant. As a foodie I am now totally sold on growing my own, I know that home grown veg is infinitely better, but without the space (my balcony is 1.5mx1m) I can’t see that happening - although a tomato plant or two are looking distinctly possible - herbs, however, are the next best thing and will make a real difference to your meal.

Plans to turn the balcony into a mini herb garden are afoot!