Last week I left the cold and rain behind me and spent a week in the south of Turkey (aka the Turkish Med).  Partly work, partly rest, I couldn’t wait to feel the warmth of the sun on my face if only for a few days.

I love going to the sun outside of summer months – it’s rarely too hot, never crowded and quite often less expensive (unless you travel over the Christmas period).  I’m quite happy to while away the summer months here at Hunters Lodge, enjoying whatever fine weather comes our way – pottering in the garden and enjoying picnics with the children in our Fairy Grove.

But with month after month of cold wet rain, it really is lovely to see blue skies and enjoy delicious food in the warmth of the sun while I’m waiting (in hope) for my summer at Hunters Lodge..

We are frequent visitors to this part of Turkey – Alanya being a city that captured our hearts many years ago.  With the turquoise blue of the sea on one side and overlooked by the Taurus  mountains on the other, it has something for everyone.

When it comes to food, there is so much fresh, wholesome food to savour..

 

The markets are magical

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Turkish breakfast is a dream

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch always includes the freshest salads

Dinner and desserts are divine

 

If  ever there was a reason to get started on your Savings Jar this is it!

 

Meanwhile back at Hunters Lodge, it was lovely to return to see that our little Surplus Stall was doing very well and this week I’ll be adding rhubarb and quail eggs to the goodies available.

In the Tomato House the peas and beans are shooting up so it’s time to think about planting them out.  The pots of chives have once again sprung into life and the latest salad leaves are making their appearance.  The shallots will also be ready to plant out in a week or two.

Then there’s the beetroot, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers…….. and this is why there is no place I’d rather be over the next six months than Hunters Lodge.

Fiona

 

VISITING TURKEY

*  We flew with Turkish Airlines from Dublin to Istanbul and then took a domestic flight to Antalya. Alanya is a 90 minutes drive away from Antalya.  During high season, flights go directly from Dublin to Antalya.

*  Alanya is quieter than the more well known city of Kusadasi.

*  Current exchange rates: 1 Euro=3 Turkish Lira offering great value for money.  All ATMs offer either Euro or Turkish Lira.

*  A visa is required to travel to Turkey and can be purchased online  HERE.

*  Current temperatures in southern Turkey are in the region of 20-25 degrees.

 

Food from an Irish Garden is now available in bookstores nationwide (Orpen Press €17.95)

To book Fiona for a talk/demonstration email fiona.dillon@hotmail.com or phone 085 1057314.

Current features in Irish Country magazine, Home Farmer and the RTE Guide include butter-making, sausage-making, rearing chicks and growing herbs.