Find out what's going on in February
Welcome to my new monthly Cow Shed Gossip blog!
This will be my way of giving you a sneaky preview of what’s coming to The Lovely Cow Shed. I will also share some of my recipes, foraging tips and more.
My February events include:
7th February Bread Making Workshop 10 am – 2 pm (fully booked)
11th February Arm Knitting 10 am – 1 pm (fully booked)
15th February Women in Business Networking 6 pm – 8.30 pm
20th February Book Club 7 pm – 9 pm (fully booked)
These events are proving popular, so booking early or joining my waiting list for future events is recommended.
The Book club is also fully booked but if you would like to take part, feel free to read The Enchanted April and give us your feedback online. As an extra treat we are going to Preston Theatre to watch it so if anyone would like to join us, just message me!
A reyt good nights sleep!
Did you see the article in the Telegraph about our plans to build two Shepherd huts? We plan to let them out as holiday accommodation and use them for our in-house cooking courses. If you missed it, don’t worry- you can read it here.
Pancake Day – Shrove Tuesday 13th
The pancake has a long history and is featured in cookery books as far back as 1439.
Pancakes are a great way to use your eggs and milk before fasting; here is a tried-and-tested recipe if you haven’t made them before.
- Put 100g plain flour, 2 large eggs, 300ml milk, 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter.
- Set aside for 30 mins to rest if you have time, or start cooking straight away.
- Set a medium frying pan or crêpe pan over a medium heat and carefully wipe it with some oiled kitchen paper.
- When hot, cook your pancakes for 1 min on each side until golden, keeping them warm in a low oven as you go.
- Serve with lemon wedges and caster sugar, or your favourite filling or my personal favourite Nutella, banana squirty cream and ice cream. No calorie counting for us on pancake Tuesday!
Real Bread Week International 17th -25th
I’m a big supporter of this annual celebration of Real Bread. Homemade bread is free from additives and preservatives and tastes way better. If you can’t make it yourself, you could show support for this cause by visiting your local bakery.
Join us at The Granary for one of our hands-on bread making workshops where you’ll learn the secrets to creating a variety of delicious, homemade bread. View dates and book.
Foraging in February
It may feel like we’re still in the grips of winter, but shoots are starting to appear. Here are some early spring plants and winter fungi to look out for.
Alexanders, also known as horse parsley, is a biennial plant and believed by some to be one of the best wild vegetables of spring.
Chickweed is an overlooked but underrated weed with cleansing and healing properties. It is also packed full of vitamins and minerals.
Dandelion has long been associated with folklore and herbal medicine and is probably best known for its diuretic effect.
Nettle Leaves are a surprisingly versatile ingredient and are reputed to be a great superfood rich in iron and vitamins A and D and packed with minerals.
Sweet Violets are becoming less common in the UK, probably due to overpicking. If you want to use them regularly, consider growing them in your garden.
Velvet Shank Mushrooms can be found fruiting through the winter.
Wild Garlic is a native bulb that often grows in dense clusters on damp woodland floors and along shaded hedgerows. It’s a rich source of folklore and is credited with the ability to ward off vampires and evil spirits.
There are still places left for our next foraging event with Pete from Pendle Plant Craft on 10th March – please book now to avoid disappointment.
New Events Coming Soon
Crafting Sundays: two half-day workshops with a full-day option. We will be making a spring wreath and obliques for the garden.
Mindful Mondays: easy crafting journaling and flower pressing designed to ease you into the week.
More information on both events, including costs and booking links, will follow.
That’s all for now. Have a great month!
Annie
