A Fool for Gooseberries

Photo © Rob Jones

My brother had a recurring dream when we were younger that my mother was trying to poison me with Gooseberries.

I am almost certain this wasn’t true, mainly because she was always at great pains to march me round the garden as a toddler pointing out all the things which could kill me within seconds .. (but Mummy the Fox Gloves are so pretty.).

Wandering through the orchard today on a wild goose chase with the dog trying to find his favourite stick which had gone missing, I stumbled across a bounteous bush of gooseberries begging to be picked.

Needless to say I ran back to the kitchen to get a bowl and did just that.

To be stewed up with ginger and elderflower cordial I think … although this is also a recognised gin flavouring combo.

Deep freeze the gooseberries for an hour or so first. This breaks the skins which are tough and wouldn’t release any flavour otherwise. Defrost. Pop into a sterile jar. Cover with gin and add some chopped ginger and a couple of sprigs of elderflowers. Leave them for an unfeasible eternity. Very tasty.

Might just do a little bit of research to see if I can find something more whacky to do with them.

RJ