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MIKE's avatar

Hi Claire - Nice piece. I , for one, prefer food writing that features a healthy dose of the terms "toxic" and "explosions". See if you can perhaps work "botulism" in too! Also very much enjoyed the multimedia event that was the Gardening Bore Tour. Hope you and Poor Rob are well!

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Claire Ruston's avatar

I'll work on that for next time, thanks! (Actually, as you know, we Brits laugh in the face of botulism. I always enjoy watching American YouTubers obsessively pressure canning their jams, even though it's already fully cooked and the jars are sterilised. In the UK we just ladle jam into hot, sterilised jars, seal and job done. Is that why you left, lol? Because of our deadly jam?)

Thanks for watching the tour vid. Poor Rob and I appreciate it. Love to you and yours x

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Clare Heal's avatar

Loved this piece. More flowery booze - yes please! I don't have a honeysuckle but will go out looking for one. Otherwise might try the same thing with lime flowers which I think are about to appear...

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Claire Ruston's avatar

Oh yes, lime flowers would be fantastic. Great shout!

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Julia Matusik's avatar

A friend, who was recently having a big clean out gave me a book called Easymade Wine and Country Drinks written by Mrs Gennery Taylor! It’s from the late 1950s and has recipes for wine made from almost anything - carrot, parsnip, turnip, carnations, marigolds. It goes on! I’ve never used it but thought of it straight away when I read about your honeysuckle wine. You’ve inspired me to give something a go. And if you ever happen across the book, I think you’d love it!

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Claire Ruston's avatar

Oh amazing. Sounds like a good read. Would love to hear if you make anything from it. Always enjoy reading other people's adventures in homebrewing and fermenting.

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Sarah McDermott Brown's avatar

Wow honeysuckle wine sounds incredible! Also I agree smoked tofu sandwiches are elite, I love shaved smoked tofu wraps with homemade tzatziki, tomatoes and dill!

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Claire Ruston's avatar

Oh yes, that sounds like an epic wrap!

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Nadine3892's avatar

Mmmm, daily quick swill. Mmm. Thanks for sharing your home brew adventures Claire. Elderflower is new to me, as a Canadian. Sadly for us, not a thing here A friend brought us a bottle of Elderflower cordial as a present and I was besotted with the delicate flavor. The idea of using honeysuckle is a stroke of genius. Honeysuckle is perhaps my favourite scent. I am so pleased you were rewarded for your efforts. Summer tipple at its finest! I too, am an advocate for daydreaming. Essential for writers, or, at least, that is what I tell myself as I spend inordinate amounts of time staring out my back window at the trees beyond. Love your writing and always thrilled when a new post lands in my inbox.

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Claire Ruston's avatar

Aw thanks for reading and commenting. I didn't know elderflower wasn't a thing in Canada! Maybe we can start a trend for honeysuckle wine instead. I bet it would make a lovely syrup or cordial as well...

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Vanilla Black's avatar

I like the idea of this wine, but if I’m being honest, I don’t have the patience to make it.

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Claire Ruston's avatar

It does require a bit of patience, true. But for us, it's worth it. We love exploring new homebrews!

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Vanilla Black's avatar

Yes, so many variations.

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Flavour Nuggets's avatar

Lovely post! And glad you liked the dressing :)

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Claire Ruston's avatar

Thanks, Helen!

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