Magpie Geese and chutney

Magpie Geese, Anseranas semipalmata

to view a gallery with more photos, click here

On Wednesday afternoon during a visit to Arundel WWT I saw Magpie Geese from Northern Australia which I hadn't noticed before. They were in the compound between the Sand Martin and Scrape hides. Once again the Australian Shelduck was on the island in front of the viewing centre when I left on Thursday afternoon.

Australian Shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides

Australian Shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides

Blue Tit, Cyanistes caeruleus

juvenile Herring Gull, Larus argentatus

Lapwing (Peewit), Vanellus vanellus

Magpie Goose, Anseranas semipalmata

On Wednesday I made a batch of chutney as the last lot is disappearing fast.

hubble bubble

I will share this family recipe, as the chutney has always been well received:

tomatoes: 1 Kg

apples: 1 Kg  

onions: 1 Kg

sultanas/raisins: 0.5 Kg  

dates: 1 Kg (LIDLS sell pitted dates in 200g packs)  

demerara sugar: 0.6 Kg  

malt vinegar: 1.75 Litre

ground ginger: 4 teaspoons

cayenne pepper: 2 teaspoons  

crushed garlic: 6 cloves

salt: 2 teaspoons  

pickling spice: 25g

The pot is 8.9 litre from Lakeland: click here.

Dissolve sugar in vinegar while heating. Add chopped fruit & vegetables, Put pickling spice in cotton or muslin bag and hang in the soup. Simmer for an hour or so till the spoon leaves a furrow at the surface. Stir well at least every 5 minutes to prevent burning (wear goggles as the mix may leap out of the pot when stirring). Leave in sealed jars for at least three months, the longer the better.