Pineapple Salsa

This is a sweet, hot and very good looking little number, so for most of us that buy pineapples and  forget to use them try this recipe you won't be disappointed. Its goes excellent with mackerel, in fact the salsa will go with most fish or try it with slow roast shoulder of lamb.

Serves 4

3 prunes, pitted and finely chopped

25ml good quality tequila

Juice of 1 lime

1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar

1/4 red Scotch bonnet chilli finely chopped (minus the seeds)

1/2 pineapple, peeled and cut into very small cubes

Pinch of salt

Put the prunes into a bowl and pour over the tequila and lime juice, leave to marinade for 1 hour, now  add the vinegar and the scotch bonnet chilli, and the pineapple and salt. Leave the flavours come together for a while before serving

Elderflower Champagne

If you need an excuse to go for a walk in the country side this is it. Elderflower season has finally arrived, this fragrant white flower is everywhere and it makes the most delicious refreshing drink. So put on your walking boots, grab a bag and get outside and pick a few of these beautiful blooms.

Elderflower Champagne

12 heads of elderflowers (pick in full bloom and scent)
700g sugar
1 large lemon
2 tablespoons of organic white wine vinegar

Put the elderflowers in a bowl with the juice and finely grated rind of the lemon. Add the sugar, vinegar and 4 litres of water and leave for 24 hours. The next day strain the liquor off and place it into screw top bottles. Leave the bottles in a cool, dark place for two weeks. The liquid will start to ferment a little, this gives the drink lovely little bubbles. Serve with ice and enjoy.