Whom loves red wine but sometimes on these wonderfully hot days feels as though it’s a bit, hmmm, heavy and winter-y?…
It was my birthday the other day and I decided to give it a herbal flavour. When I got back from a super hot day at the markets I put some red wine in a carafe with wedges of orange, several texas tarragon flowers plus some lemon balm and mint that I bruised in my mortar and pestle.
After leaving it in the fridge for a couple of hours and a more acceptable time to indulge, (ie. not 2pm…which actually is probably ok on a birth anniversary!) I took a sup and it was delicious! That Texas tarragon really gave it something else, even hubby quite enjoyed it when I forced him to try it, fortunately for me not enough to want a whole glass, te-he!
My birthday brew
Texas tarragon is lovely in a jug of water with lemon on a hot summer day too, leaves and flowers. If you don’t have this plant let me rest assure you that I will be selling it next season.
I really hope that I’m not the only one that has to make their own birthday cake (despite other capable people in the house), ach well, at least I’m also the only one in the house that drinks red wine and doesn’t have to share whilst baking said cake!
My favourite cake is lemon cake, beauts as is, but this year I added thyme from my new silver posie thyme (Thymus vulgaris ‘Silver Posie’).
Was really nice, should’ve added more thyme though..
Thyme, sugar and lemon rind
The next day we were at the Greytown Markets (as stall holders; we being Industrial Fusion at one end and Stoney Ground Herbs at the other) and I bought myself a lino print for my birthday by local Wairarapa artist Joanne Lysaght, Songbird, it makes me so happy!
Songbird by Joanne Lysaght
Yeah, it’s still in its wrapper, I’m going to get a frame for it soon…
Wishing you all a very merry xmas, have a lovely time with your loved ones, keep an eye on your plants and make the most of everything you have in your life, including this lovely summer right now!
xxoo