Five on Friday!

Joining in with Amy and Five on Friday

One*****Jersey Beans

The first of my five is a recipe...just right for colder days and very easy to make in a slow cooker or oven.This was a traditional Jersey dish in the past and often families would take their crock ( stone casserole) down to the cooling parish bread oven on Saturday evening and leave to cook all night.

Jersey Bean crock.

Ingredients:

500g of mixed beans ( kidney,haricot etc)

400g belly pork cut into small chunks

1 carrot chopped

1 onion chopped

Small tin baked beans

2 beef or veg stock cubes crumbled

1 tablespoon tomato purée

Method:

Start by soaking beans overnight in plenty of water. First thing in the morning add all the ingredients except the beans into the slow cooker. Drain the beans and put them in a pan. Add boiling water and bring to the boil. Once boiling allow to bubble for 10 minutes. This helps to tenderise the beans and gets rid of any toxins. Drain beans and add to slow cooker. Give everything a good stir and top up with boiling water to almost the top of cooker. Put on lid and set to high. Leave to cook all day. You will have a fabulous smell all day and instant dinner by the evening. Serve in bowls with lots of crusty bread. It is also lovely served with freshly cooked spinach or Savoy cabbage .

Two*******Walking

Lots of great walks this week. Still enjoying some autumn colour and scrunching leaves underfoot, my youngest couldn't help having a leaf moment on Sunday...he's only 23!.

Came across swans crossing the road. They always look so serene on water but this was the funniest sight. Obviously they felt the ponds were better on the other side of the road. I am never sure how near to get to swans, something tells me they could bite!

Skies were very leaden but still mild.

Three******Dreaming

Excitement levels are high at the moment. Very shortly we will be heading to Copenhagen for a few days. Looking forward to real wintry weather and lots of atmosphere to soak up. If anyone has any ideas of places to see or must do's please add a comment.

Four*********Orchids

Loving the orchids in my conservatory. These haven't just been bought but flowered again after several years. They are amazing considering they get very little attention other than the odd squirt of water.

Five********Blogging

I have been mulling over my blogging adventure so far....main observation is that it is totally addictive. I have followed blogs for some years and loved the feeling of community that they give. Now being part of it is very special. I treasure any comments that are made and need to say a particular thank you to Sarah at 'Down by the sea' who regularly visits and adds encouraging comments.

Have a good weekend and happy blogging!

Barbara x