Saturday 11 February 2012

Toasted Teacakes, Comfy Cushions and Mothers Day Roast


Winter has finally caught up with us and I am shivering as I write to you. The birds have stripped all the berries off the trees and the redwings and fieldfares are fighting with the blackbirds for the rotting apples hidden in the leaf mould. So now is the time to hunker down with your wood burner topped up and enjoy some comfort food.


Nothing beats Hambleton Bakery's teacakes toasted and dripping with butter. Do you like yours lightly grilled or singed round the edges as I do? All our regular customers have different ways of enjoying them. And why not wash them down with some hot Winter Berries Cordial by Belvoir, spicy and aromatic. Available at Garden Cafe, both these products are made locally and are great examples of provenance in the East Midlands.

And speaking of provenance, an article in the British Farmer and Grower is highlighting how many of the European countries are lagging behind in the push to ban conventional battery cages which should have come into force on 31st. Dec. 2011. Spain, Italy, France and Poland are among them so make sure you buy BRITISH eggs and protect the welfare of laying hens. Or even better, come and buy Vera's eggs from the Store knowing that her hens roam free in the fields on her farm in Kinoulton and couldn't be fresher. Cooked breakfasts make a great start on a cold winter's morning....fried, poached or boiled with soldiers, eggy bread..any other ideas?

Many of you bought our lovely chainstitched cushions from Kashmir for Christmas presents last year and are now returning to purchase one (or more) for your own homes. We are expecting a new delivery any day now so look out for them. They are 18" square and the perfect size. Spots are a fashion winner this year and will filter through into interiors. Grab the spotty cushions when they arrive and be on trend.

We are opening for Mothers Day Roast on Sunday 18th. March so book soon to secure a table. Everything is made in our own kitchen, as you know, and a menu will be posted in the March Blog. Our Friday pizza evenings are starting to build again after Christmas and, for those of you who cannot eat in, remember you can take out if you give us an hour's notice. This is great if you can't get a babysitter or want to eat at home while watching your favourite T.V. programme. Our Saturday Evening meals are starting on February 11th. with comforting dishes accompanied by seasonal vegetables so make a reservation TODAY!

Finally, a bit of a catch up on the Faxitron Fund. The money has been raised (over £47,000) and the machine which was installed last month, is now in daily use at the Breast Care Centre. Colston Bassett Store enabled an extra £520 to be raised by the sale of knitted scarves and felt flower brooches in the shop and the final count in the Faxitron collection box was over £100. So well done to you all.

See you soon.

Jan


** STOP PRESS **

I'm sorry to report that Sue Middlemore, who has managed the Store for over six years, will be leaving us on Friday 17th February. Sue will be running a new Charity Shop in Bottesford in aid of Dove Cottage, the local Hospice.

Sue knows all our customers and will be greatly missed. We have reviewed our situation and made the following decision.

With effect from Monday 20th February, THE STORE WILL ONLY BE OPEN ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS. These are very difficult times and we can only afford to open on the busy days. We will, however, be adding more 'weekend' lines on those days including home-made products. Please note THE CAFE HOURS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES.'