Wow! January certainly threw an icy blast at us this year. Following an incredibly damp end of year, preventing almost any ‘field work’ being undertaken, the first chilly week of January, did allow the drilling of field beans at our arable farm Nr Ware. This was halted by the following 2 whole weeks of laying snow & the thaw & floods that have left us entering February, still under waterlogged fields. Whilst drilling crops has had to be postponed, the animals here at Foxholes are thriving. Our baby piglets– growing rapidly, are now chasing around our fields & still causing mayhem!
Most of our young cattle are still enjoying the warmth of our open barns, feasting on our own home grown silage & maize fodder– our cattle are only fed with grass & maize silage, harvested by us & grown on our farms. Our chicks from last are ignoring the cold weather & short daylight hours, entirely & are continuing to gain quite a following for their trays of eggs. Rumour has it, we shall be entertaining another clutch of chicks, yet again, this Easter time!
Seasonal changes are already allowing different & exciting additions to our butchery, deli & ambient selection. We’ve plenty of inspirational ideas to keep foodies ‘ahead of the game’ with this months food lovers events. The first is Bramley Apple week 3-10th, Apple crumble Mmm! Shrove Tuesday falls this year on 12th Feb– we’ve local, plus our own eggs, wonderful flours from Wessex Mill, various sugars, maple syrup, fresh lemons & juice, crepe mix & a gluten free alternative– Pancakes– Irresistible! The biggest of course being St Valentines Day on 14th, we have ideas galore. From simple chocolate & wine, proccecco or champagne hampers, through to luxury choctastic hampers, we should have something to please everyone. Our Butchers Harry & Mick are full of wonderful ideas for easy, Romantic meals at home over the Valentines Day/weekend celebrations. Stuffed chicken breasts, medallions of lamb, fillet steaks & many more easy to prepare or ready prepared ideas, so you can spend time with your loved one on Valentines Day, instead of slaving in the kitchen. Team with raspberries, cream & meringues, or sticky sponge puddings & vanilla custard all ready prepared for you. Following Valentines is National chip week! 18-24th-perhaps a week of chip eating isn’t something we should promote, but once in a while, there really is nothing like a scrummy plate of home-made chips– grab some local spuds & spoil yourselves or choose our ready prepared packs in the freezer. Whatever events you are planning for February, pop along & let us help you make your meals, the most healthy & delicious fun possible.
