A busman's holiday (a cider maker's holiday)

A week away in Brittany last month was something of a bus man's holiday for Mike - not that he was complaining. It is an area of France famous for its cider making tradition, and obviously there was much sampling to be done.

It is typically served as a wine alternative, in classic 750ml bottles to share out around the table. And whilst we didn't actually see anyone using them, the gift shops were full of little crockery cider mugs - a traditional, rustic alternative to a glass.

It was great to so much cider around - and so much of it of excellent quality, locally produced by small scale cider makers. There was always a fine selection of ciders in the restaurant wine menus, and, perhaps most heartening of all, even the big supermarket we visited had a cider fixture to rival the beer selection.

Á votre santé!

Slow Cooked Pork in Henney's Apple Sweet Cider

A big thank you to our friends Sam and Anna for sharing this recipe. They sent it over last winter but I failed to get organised and post it, then the weather warmed up and it didn't really seem appropriate for a summer evening.

But I'd say Autumn is pretty much upon us now and it's definitely getting cooler in the evenings, so I think we can safely say it's time to start thinking casseroles!

Slow Cooked Pork in Henney's Apple Sweet Cider

1 Henney’s Apple Sweet Cider
2 Pork chops
2 Bramley apples
5 Potatoes
3 Onions
1 Carrot
1 Red pepper
1 Vegetable stock
Rosemary and thyme

Peel the peelable things and chop everything to bite sized chunks.
Put everything into the slow cooker with a healthy sprinkling of the herbs.
Leave to simmer for 6 hours or so stirring occasionally.

Serve with fresh bread and a glass of cider

Serves 4 - 6

Tree Farm Orchard - the first summer

Well, the new orchard has been active over the summer, even if the Henney's blog writer hasn't (apologies, I will attempt to post more regularly as we approach the all-action phase of the cider making year - and Mike will just love me trailing around after him with a camera!)

Here are a few shots from June, July and late August, which capture the orchard during it's first summer. And there is fruit on the trees, so more photos coming soon.