My grandmother used to say, "Eat what you can, can what you can’t." It’s a phrase that stuck with me, alongside her other favourite, "Waste not, want not." Those words guide much of what I do in the kitchen today.
I can’t bear to see good food go to waste, so I try to get creative with leftovers, gluts from the garden, and seasonal bounty that arrives faster than we can eat it.
With fruit ripening in the orchard and vegetables tumbling out of my wild and wonderful 'food jungle' (aka my overgrown but much-loved veggie patch), there’s always something new to cook, bake, bottle or ferment. Whether it’s a nourishing soup, a jam made from surplus plums, or a new way to preserve tomatoes for winter, my kitchen is a space of constant experimentation and joy.
Most of the recipes you’ll find here are simple, seasonal and adaptable, designed to help you make the most of what’s on hand. I share everything from everyday meals to traditional preserves, pantry staples, and creative ways to use up whatever’s in abundance. Everything is inspired by the seasons and many of the recipes are perfect for batch cooking or storing for later.
I’ve divided the recipes into helpful CATEGORIES so you can jump straight to whatever takes your fancy. Looking for something specific? Use the TAG menu on the right to filter by ingredient (especially useful if you’ve got too many courgettes or a bowl of ripe peaches). Or try the SEARCH bar if you have a particular dish or idea in mind.
Tried something or added your own twist? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment or tag me on social media. Let’s keep sharing ideas and rediscovering old kitchen wisdom, one recipe at a time.
