Meikleour

Not even a 10 minute drive from us is the pretty village of Meikleour, I often go through the village as there is a fantastic wood in which to go walking with the faithful hound.  As you pass the hotel you will see a sign for Lethendy and a wee bit along you can park by the side of the road.  I've mentioned this wood before because of Cleaven Dyke the Neolithic Cursus which runs through it.  The paths in the wood zig-zag everywhere and I walked back into Meikleour by a lane which comes out by the hotel then back to the car after taking a few photos in the village.  It was nice to walk in the dappled shade of the wood today as we have been having some super weather but the dog is none too keen on the heat.

A Taste of Perthshire

Recently received the latest up to date copies of the A Taste of Perthshire brochure and very fine and glossy they are.  Pick up a copy and it will guide you around all the super establishments in Perthshire promoting, serving, cooking and selling the best of Perthshire produce.

Lemon Curd

At the weekend I made some lemon curd using a quick and easy recipe:

3 oz butter
5 oz caster sugar
Juice of 3 lemons and the finely grated zest
2 eggs and 1 egg yolk

Gently heat the butter, sugar, juice and zest.
Whisk together the eggs in a separate bowl then add to the the other mixture over a gentle heat and stir until it has thickened up.  Put in a sterile jar and voila - homemade lemon curd.  I also made the natty little label ( this is optional!!)

New Welcome Signs

Your intrepid reporter was quick on the scene last week for a quick snap of the new Welcome to Blairgowrie & Rattray signage that has gone up around the town.  We have many roads coming into Blairgowrie so quite a few signs.  The new signs made front page news in the Blairgowrie Advertiser, some people like others not.  Probably the main issue, which is well founded, is if you come in from the Rattray side surely it should say Welcome to Rattray and Blairgowrie.

I think they are rather nice and hope they encourage people to stop off and enjoy our lovely town.

Bluebell Wood Blairgowrie

I can't not have my yearly mention of the local Darroch wood famed for it's bluebells.

Cranachan Smoothie

As promised I tried out a cranachan smoothie recipe from the very excellent 'Scottish Heritage Food and Cooking' book I have.  Being based on the traditional Cranachan dish it has oatmeal in it which may not appeal to everyone as it means the smoothie is not entirely smooth and make sure you soak the oatmeal for a wee while first.  Basically just whizz together oatmeal, raspberries, honey and yogurt.

Kinclaven Bluebell Wood

On Friday I went the 10 minute drive to the the ancient Beech and Oak wood at Kinclaven which I have blogged about before, but I've never actually walked through them in bluebell season.  I was surprised how 'far behind' our local bluebell wood they were which means there is plenty time to get along to view the flowers.

More New Statues along the Riverside

A few evenings ago I went to have a look at some more statues that had been put in along the riverside walk in Blairgowrie, as part of the ongoing improvements.  The wild garlic is out in force at the moment and smells divine, you can use the leaves in all sorts of recipes, although making a pesto out of them seems to be popular.