This week, I am returning to the pretty village of Pirton, just outside Hitchin to attend the Farmers’ market there, which takes place on the last Friday of the month and annoyingly, it’s the day before Hitchin Farmers’ and Craft market, which happens on Saturday. So, whenever I have a ‘doubler’ such as this, I always try and make sure I have the opportunity to relax a bit before the chaos and mayhem begins, as once Thursday evening hits, there is not much chance for a break for me until Saturday afternoon, when I sell my last few loaves.
This Thursday (today) has been no exception, Thursdays generally start with the school run at 8am, followed by the first of two stints at the bakery, where all my different doughs are mixed and proving baskets and tins are prepared. Owing to the volume of loaves that I bake for the Pirton & Hitchin combi, I also had the added challenge of trying to squeeze six 25kg sacks of flour into my teeny tiny bakery; Ok, I confess, I did have help this morning from Shirl-girl. (My lovely neighbour). We managed to finish in record time, just shy or 12.30, which means I have an extended ‘afternoon off..’ This generally consists of a nice lunch, (The Cheese Teller ‘best Camembert EVER’ and toasted 5-seeded) and a bit of tele, in the hope that I might nod off for a bit. I think I managed a couple of winks, before the fact that I’d not prepared anything for tea tonight started to niggle at me. What’s to do?? Not much in the fridge other than a few ‘mature’ veggies, half a small loaf of white sourdough and absolutely NO desire to go to Asda. Well, it just so happens I am a magician when it comes to conjuring up tasty and balanced meals from a crumb and a lemon. So now, as I type, it’s all ready to cook for 5.45, when my boys come home – I just need a wok, some boiling water for pasta et voila! as my littlest man likes to say. Check out my RECIPE OF THE MOMENT! page – just click the highlighted link if you can’t see it at the top.