Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden 2023 Episode 10 – In the serene backdrop of his Sussex smallholding, Marcus Wareing embarks on a delightful journey of exploration and experimentation. As part of his ever-evolving ventures, a unique problem arises the curious case of potential predators targeting ducklings. Determined to tackle this challenge, Marcus harnesses his creativity and channels it into crafting the perfect scarecrow. This isn’t just any scarecrow; it’s a testament to his dedication and love for his land.
Hearing about the local Framfield Scarecrow Festival’s annual competition, Marcus can’t resist entering his handcrafted guardian into the contest. Although he gracefully accepts a defeat, his spirits remain undeterred. His enthusiasm for the agricultural world drives him to Plawhatch Farm, where he meets the expert dairy manager, Dom. Handing over a basket brimming with freshly plucked berries, Marcus eagerly awaits their transformation into a delectable blackberry yogurt. Meanwhile, he plunges into the intricate art of cheese bandaging, absorbing every detail of the process.
After ensuring the delicious yogurts reach the local community kitchen, Marcus’s day is far from over. Back at his homestead, he crafts a sumptuous fig salad, a small token of appreciation for his dedicated gardener, Anatoliy. But the day’s highlight is yet to come. Alongside his family, Marcus positions his newly-made scarecrow by the pond, a silent guardian watching over its feathery inhabitants.
The sun begins to set, casting a warm golden hue over Sussex. As the day winds down, Marcus immerses himself in preparing a medley of pizza toppings. His anticipation grows as he looks forward to a local pizza party, a wonderful opportunity to share laughter, stories, and delicious slices with his cherished neighbors, truly epitomizing the spirit of community.
Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden 2023 Episode 10
The rolling green hills of Sussex provide a picturesque backdrop for my kitchen garden adventures this week. With spring well underway, I’m keen to protect my crops from hungry birds and other predators. What better way than to build my scarecrow? IGrab some old clothes, straw, and gardening tools and get to work assembling a quality scarecrow. This not only keeps ducklings safe from any predators but provides some lighthearted fun as well.
After finishing my scarecrow, I learned of the annual Framfield Scarecrow Festival happening soon. This gives me the perfect opportunity to showcase my new scarecrow and participate in the local community. I pack up my scarecrow and head to the festival on a sunny Saturday morning. There I’m surrounded by the creative scarecrow creations of fellow Sussex residents. Some scarecrows are humorous, others frightening, and all unique. Though mine didn’t win the top prize, I enjoyed myself while gaining inspiration for next year’s entry.
Visiting the Local Dairy
With the scarecrow festival wrapped up, it’s time to get back to work in the garden. My blackberry bushes are ripening with plump, juicy berries perfect for harvest. I pick a bounty of fresh blackberries and load them into the car to drop off at nearby Plawhatch Farm. This local dairy produces artisanal cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy delights.
I meet the dairy manager, Dom, and hand over my harvest. In return, Dom gives me a lesson in cheesemaking. We discuss techniques like cheese bandaging, which involves wrapping the cheese in breathable fabric. This protects the cheese while allowing it to age properly. I love learning traditional methods that result in exceptional flavor. After saying farewell to Dom, I look forward to sampling the Blackberry yogurt soon!
Sharing the Fruits of Labour
A few days later, I returned to Plawhatch Farm to collect the finished blackberry yogurt. The richness of the full-fat yogurt mixed with sweet, tangy blackberries makes for a mouthwatering combination. After indulging in a sample, I pack up the yogurts to share with others.
Part of the joy of growing my produce is having the ability to gift it to friends, family, and the local community. I deliver several tubs of yogurt to our village’s community kitchen. This initiative provides free, nutritious meals to those in need. I’m honored to donate my garden’s bounty to such a good cause.
Back home, I harvest more of the season’s yield, including fresh figs. My gardener Anatoliy has been an immense help in tending the grounds, so I decided to whip up a fig salad to show my appreciation. The salad combines sweet figs, bitter greens, salty cheese, and a honey balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect way to highlight the tastes of late summer. I present the salad to Anatoliy, who is grateful for the gesture. Fostering a community starts right at home.
Pizza Party with Neighbours
To close out this week’s adventures, I host a lively pizza party for my local neighbors. I prep an array of fresh pizza toppings ahead of time using veggies and herbs from my garden. I slice colorful tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, and mozzarella cheese. For herbs, I chop up fragrant basil, oregano, and rosemary. I also make a simple pizza dough earlier in the day to prove and develop flavor.
Guests begin arriving early evening, greeted with smiles and glasses of Prosecco. The kids run off to play while the adults catch up on the latest happenings. Soon enough, hungry bellies start rumbling, so it’s time to start baking pizzas! I fire up the outdoor pizza oven as my neighbors grab toppings and assemble their unique creations. In no time, piping hot, brick-oven pizzas emerge, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas. Laughter and smiles abound as we feast. The pizza and company make for a perfect combination.
As the night winds down, my guests thank me for the festive get-together. Though simple, these shared moments of community are what life is all about. I’m thankful to be not just a chef but also a neighbor in this lovely Sussex village.
Harissa romesco sauce
Romesco sauce, a vibrant and aromatic roasted red pepper creation, hails from the rich culinary traditions of the Catalan region in Spain. As you fire up the barbecue this season, why not elevate your dishes by crafting your own Romesco sauce? To give it that extra zing and make each bite memorable, sprinkle in a touch of harissa. To whip up this culinary delight, ensure you have a barbecue and a trusty blender on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 red peppers
- 100g/3½oz flaked almonds
- 80ml/2½fl oz extra virgin olive oil
- 200g/7oz piquillo peppers from a jar, or fresh piquillo peppers (deseeded)
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 red chili, chopped (use less if you wish)
- 1 tsp hot smoked paprika
- pinch chilli flakes
- 50g/1¾oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 50g/1¾oz rose harissa paste
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- sea salt
Method:
- Prepare your barbecue: Allow the flames to flare up and die down until the coals are just glowing.
- Place the red peppers directly onto the barbecue coals to char and cook through for approximately 10–15 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skin as well as the stalks and seeds. Roughly chop and set aside.
- Toast the almonds in a dry frying pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, tossing them in the pan so they cook evenly and don’t burn. Once toasted, set aside.
- If you’re using fresh piquillo peppers, they need to be cooked before blitzing. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the fresh peppers. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the peppers start to color and break down (avoid burning them, as this will make the sauce bitter). Once browned, add the sliced garlic, red chili, and smoked paprika and cook for a further minute, then remove from the heat. Allow to cool slightly before blending, along with the remaining oil and other ingredients. If using jarred peppers, place them straight into the food processor.
- Blend the pepper along with the rest of the ingredients for 2 minutes, or until you have a smooth sauce. Season with salt to taste.
Conclusion
This week provided adventures both in and out of the kitchen. From scarecrow contests to farm visits to pizza parties, I was able to immerse myself in the food and community of Sussex. Some key takeaways:
- Get creative and have fun with scarecrow building! Use unique materials and aim for amusement or frights. Local festivals provide great inspiration.
- Seek out and support local food producers whenever possible. Not only do they make exceptional products, but you can also learn traditional techniques.
- Share your homegrown or homemade goods with others. Bring joy through food to friends, family, and community members.
- Bring people together over fresh, home-cooked meals. Simple gatherings foster lasting connections.
Food has the power to nourish, inspire, and connect us. Through my kitchen garden adventures, I’m reminded of this every day. I’m excited to see what new experiences await as the seasons continue changing in this beautiful pocket of Sussex.
Frequently Asked Questions – Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden 2023 Episode 10
What is Marcus Wareing’s net worth?
As a world-renowned chef and restaurateur, Marcus Wareing has accumulated significant wealth. His net worth is estimated to be between £5-10 million. This comes from his successful restaurants, brand partnerships, TV shows, books, and other business ventures. Despite his high net worth, Wareing remains dedicated to his craft.
What is the best time to visit Sussex?
With its sweeping coastline, rolling countryside, and quaint villages, Sussex is scenic all year round. However, late spring through early autumn (May-October) is considered the peak season. The weather is mild, gardens and parks are blooming, and local festivals happen frequently. For the warmest weather, visit in July-August.
How do you make a scarecrow?
Start with old clothes stuffed with straw to make the body shape. Use gloves, boots, jeans, shirts, hats, and more to dress the scarecrow. Attach wooden arms in a crossed position and stuff with straw. Add a burlap sack head with a scary face drawn on. Mount on a wooden cross or pole in the garden. Position near plants and make them scary to deter pests!
When is the Framfield Scarecrow Festival?
The Framfield Scarecrow Festival takes place each year in early September in the village of Framfield, East Sussex. Scarecrows are displayed throughout the village on two consecutive Saturdays. This much-loved event includes live music, workshops, food stalls, and family activities.
What kind of dairy products does Plawhatch Farm produce?
Plawhatch Farm uses traditional techniques to create artisanal dairy products like cheeses, yogurts, and clotted cream. Their award-winning cheeses include Sussex Slipcote, Duddleswell, and Halloumi. Creamy yogurts come in flavors like raspberry, honey, and mango. It’s a local Sussex gem for fresh dairy!
