Happy September - Kalo Mina....

 September, Sunny Days, Fruits and Flowers.....

It's September, the sun is shining, the nights now are thankfully cooler,  evenings are balmy as we watch the Moon rise and the Stars sparkle over a clear night sky. We now enjoy sipping our wine in the garden far more comfortably after another hot August when temperatures reached the 40's C -  No longer do we need our air conditioning and instead can breathe in the pleasant warm air and reflect on this Summer so far, as we start to think about our Winter vegetables which now need planting.  These include, Carrots, Spinach, Winter Gem lettuces, Spring Onions, Cabbage, Brussels and a few herbs too.  I will once again try Parsnips and hope for a frost later on, which are needed for a healthier crop!! - or so I am advised? Maybe this time they will grace the Christmas table (gosh did I mention Christmas, sorry folks). 

This Summer we harvested a variety of goodies too including, early lettuces, always tasty until Mid May then it gets too hot and they bolt.  However I made some lovely lettuce soup instead of  wasting them.

Potatoes do well, as do Green Beans, Courgettes, Peppers and a great variety of Tomatoes from small Italian Cherry Tomatoes, Medium sized salad tomatoes and huge Beef Tomatoes which I use to make a popular Greek meal of Stuffed Tomatoes. We still have many more growing going into September for salads and tomato based dishes and puree. 

Fruits so far included, Cherries & Apricots in June, Juicy Peaches in July, Seedless White Grapes from our vine late August. We prefer to eat our grapes with Greek crusty bread and Cheese rather than make wine. Cactus Fruits (Prickly Pears)  just picked these a few days ago which I used as a filling for the Pancakes and also made a lovely syrup from these fruits too.  Ari (hubby) adores pancakes which have now become a fortnightly treat.  No, I don't use a Pancake mix either, just a simple Batter which my mother taught me back then. when I was allowed to assist in her kitchen as I reached the grand age of 10!!! And of course we have free range eggs here in the village all adding and enhancing the overall taste. 

Ari bashed the Almond Tree to collect the nuts with his long Bamboo stick, as many Almonds were starting to fall.  He then de-husked them and will break open the shells so I can store these for such delights as Almond Milk, Almond Butter, and Cakes too. 

A variety of flowers spring up over the Summer months always adding a great and happy colour to our outside area.....

September - brings us later in the month Walnuts - a favourite for breakfast with Thick Greek Yoghurt and local honey and another alternative taste for our Pancakes. 

Wishing everyone visiting Corfu this month an enjoyable stay and holiday too.

If you are still thinking of some late sunshine or a last minute holiday, you can also visit my websites www.corfuselections.com & www.sanstefanosapartments.com and book directly with our owners thus supporting local businesses too....... 

Kalo Mina - A happy month of September with Health and Happiness.