Who ate all the pies ?

On a recent shopping trip to Wigan, a town famous for its love of pies, we visited what must have been the only cafe which does not serve this local delicacy. The Stables Brasserie was a revelation , a cosy brasserie / cafe on Millgate. Lovely contemporary style decor, good brasserie style food and attentive service. Delighted to note that they have monthly theme nights featuring different countries cusiene. Visit them soon, it gets very busy at lunch time.

More tomato recipes - Tomato Tart

Further way of using up the glut of tomatoes, Tomato Tart

Using ready made puff pastry , lined an oven tray, spread the base with pesto sauce or oil and chopped basil, then cover with slices of tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt, pepper and a sprinkle of sugar. Bake in the oven @ 200 deg C, until the tomatoes are soft and golden. Serve a large slice with rocket salad or a balsamic dressing.

Butternut squash

Look what I found in the garden today !

I have never grown squashes before so I am pretty impressed with the results. I love butternut squash roasted , so after a few days hardening in the conservatory I will be cooking roast autumn vegetables.

Tomato Ketchup

Still trying to deal with a glut of tomatoes from the garden and no more will fit in the freezer, so ketchup it had to be.

Ingredients

• 3Kg tomatoes roughly chopped
• 4 onions sliced
• 1 red pepper, chopped

Place in a large pan and cook until soft. Push this through a sieve into a large pan.
Add

• 100g soft brown sugar
• 200ml cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp english mustard powder

Add the spices in a muslin bag

• Piece of cinnamon stick
• 1 1/2 tsp whole allspice
• 1 1/2 tsp whole cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp ground mace
• 1 1/2 tsp celery seeds
• 1 1/2 whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 garlic clove, bruised

Method
Bring to the boil and simmer , remove the spice bag after 20-30 mins , cook until pulpy , pour into sterilised bottles.

Best used with chips, burgers, etc. Result is pretty almost as good as heinz