Even though my garden is very small it is wonderful at this time of year. I even have enough growing in it to make some Winter Solstice presents. The lavender has blossomed and is attracting a few bees, which is comforting. I will make some little lavender bottles again this year.
I have also been making a most delicious and fragrant spice for my friends for winter. I often find I come up with ideas for Winter Solstice presents when everything is so abundant. Not that I grow my own spices. You can just about see some fennel growing in the garden but not enough to make these lovely curry spices.
The recipe is one I got from a friend many years ago.
Add a generous tablespoon of seeds 
from Cardamom pods, Sesame seeds, Cumin, Coriander, Cloves, Black Peppercorns, Allspice and Aniseed. Mix all the wonderful spices together and spread on a baking sheet. Cook in an oven on medium heat for half an hour and then keep in an airtight jar. I find it improves on keeping which is why I have made mine so early this year. I will keep it in large pots and then decorate some small yoghurt jars and put it in those for presents some time in November or December.
from Cardamom pods, Sesame seeds, Cumin, Coriander, Cloves, Black Peppercorns, Allspice and Aniseed. Mix all the wonderful spices together and spread on a baking sheet. Cook in an oven on medium heat for half an hour and then keep in an airtight jar. I find it improves on keeping which is why I have made mine so early this year. I will keep it in large pots and then decorate some small yoghurt jars and put it in those for presents some time in November or December.
