Pumpkin and sage rarebit
FREE TO READ: a warming post-leaf-sweeping snack I ate in the greenhouse
As you may recall, I have a new greenhouse, thanks to Rhino Greenhouses who gave me (they gave me!) this beautiful little greenhouse as a garden kitchen and growing space and in which I basically now live most days.
In exchange I am only too happy to produce some recipes for their blog. This is the second, which features the celebrity glut of the season, winter squash, which began their life in the warmth of the greenhouse in March. I hope you enjoy it.
(Also, I’m delighted to have roped in to capture the greenhouse in its Autumnal glory.)
The pumpkin harvest is fair recompense for the end of summer.
Adequate consolation for the shorter days and the bedraggled veg patch. More than adequate in fact.
For me, the day I pick the winter squash is one of the most joyful in the gardening year. I brush them clean and arrange them in rows in the greenhouse to ‘cure’ for a few days. I survey the lines of orange, green and azure blue jewels and feel like a squirrel preparing for hibernation. And, in a sense, I am stocking up for the long evenings, gathering the last of the harvest ready for a cold winter of soups and stews.
But before that there is clearing up to do.
It’s hard, messy, hand-chilling work that requires sustenance. Something hearty to fuel the compost turning, pruning and leaf raking. Like this rich and filling cheese on toast.
Winter squash & sage rarebit
Next level cheese on toast. The cheesy sauce is enriched with sage and garlicky roast squash then piled atop a slab of sourdough and grilled. Serves one very hungry soul and best served after a morning clearly the veg patch.
(GIFTED: For full transparency, I have been given this greenhouse for free in exchange for recipe writing. Posts like this aren’t part of the exchange, but I’m so happy with both the greenhouse and the recipes that I wanted to share it with you. I hope that’s ok - I don’t want to get all QVC about things here.)
A greenhouse is a marvellous place to spend your time isn't it
Welch Rarebit was one of the first things I learned to make in school, over 50 years ago. I still remember how excited my mother was to watch me make it for our lunch. She saved that recipe from 7th Grade and I found it among her keeper recipes. Recipes mark our time like songs. I am always saddened when people talk about great food recipes that are lost. I haven't made Welch Rarebit since but your upgraded version has me excited. While my mother is no longer with me, I like to think she'll be with me in spirit. Thank you Kathy!