My First steps to a River Cottage lifestyle (pics galore)

[A T]

You've obviously had a few drinks and you're taking things to heart again, i didn't mean to offend you

 

[BrewStew]

fair enough :thumb:

 

[Wez]

On the subject of self sufficiency / home cooked etc - I just made these nice Ciabatta's

:party:

 

[BrewStew]

get in :party:

they look mighty tasty mate :thumb:

 

[A T]

Very nice Wez :thumb: Could you stuff a pigeon in those :lol:

 

[BrewStew]

:lol:

mmmm pigeon ciabatta..... that could work!

 

[BrewStew]

right, according to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's book of meat, i've got an older bird and not a youngster which is apparently the very best type of pigeon.

according to HFW's book an "oven ready" pigeon is one that has a flexible beak, soft claws, a thick, short neck, and a supple pliable breastbone with a slightly rosy skin.

mine unfortunately has none of those, and a more grey/white skin. but that's by no means a loss! that still leaves alot! such as pies, stews, etc. and if i can grab one of the blackbirds that have been floating around, i've read elsewhere that apparently they go great together.

one big thing HFW points out in his book is that pigeon doesn't keep for very long at all, even in cold weather, and should be eaten very soon (within a couple of days).

so if i dont manage to bag me a blackbird to go with it, i still think it's worth slow roasting, and using the carcass to make stock, then chucking the lot into a home made pie with mixed veg :thumb:

 

[Wez]

BS - would you really shoot a Blackbird?

 

[BrewStew]

not after i just checked to see if their protected after posting that, which they are! :shock:

looks like it's just pigeon pie tomorrow

 

[BrewStew]

just looked back, i was looking at a non UK recipe site, where they are ok with blackbird shooting.... good thing i double checked on the RSPB site!!!!

i was always under the assumption they were pests here too, but obviously not!

 

[Wez]

Hopefully we don't have any RSPB members

Good luck so far if we do :lol:

 

[BrewStew]

:lol:

 

[Wez]

:| I guess we'll find out......

 

[arturobandini]

Excellent garden work Brewstew and nice shot with the pigeon. Enjoy it!

 

[jamesb]

Well I got it.

Self Sufficiency is great to a point. You need to barter with your excess for the rest.

Unfortunately, H&G still don't accept turnips as payment.

 

[ni9e]

BS you'll have to let us know how it tastes there are quite a few of the buggers in my garden eating all my grass seed :twisted: If there tasty then I'm gonna get a few save me a fortune on grass seed

 

[BrewStew]

i'll be sure to let you all know how it fairs in the culinary department

 

[A T]

i'll be sure to let you all know how it fairs in the culinary department

I hope you take more pics

 

[BrewStew]

certainly will :thumb:

 

[Bru4u]

Only just spotted this, mighty shootin Stew, I almost pissed myself re: the blackbird, I thought you were only joking, I find the older birds are a bit gamey or a bit strong taste, choose a recipe with plenty of flavour. Our government decided two years ago that pidgeon should be protected and now has a season, what kind of half witted pissed up twats are running this place, not a clue, not a flippin clue. Anyhow, nicly documented, will be intersted to see you views on the flavour :thumb: