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May the Chilli be With you!

23/5/2015

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As Nick finishes jarring up the latest batch of Chilli Pickled Eggs, I thought I’d waffle on here for a while……. Are you sitting comfortably?  Then I shall begin ;)

May has been a busy month, with plenty of making (lots more left to do!), start of the chilli & food festivals, awards and plenty of chilli plants.

Yesterday we were at the Burnham-on-Sea Food Festival, has to be one of, if not our favourite local events.  If you haven’t been (Why NOT?) you get two chances to visit each year, May and October.  The free to visit event is organised by passionate foodies and residents of Burnham, Bev & Sarah Milner-Simonds.  We’ve been there since 2013 when they awarded us “Food Heroes - Best Newcomers”. 
Blessed with sunshine, the customers were coming back from previous years to top up on our range. 

This year we were right next to Joy from Sea Spring Seeds, so customers could buy some great chilli plants, like their Dorset Naga, or the new Zinger or Spike chillies.  Looking forward to hearing how they have got on growing their own when we return to the next event on October 31st. 

Visiting Joy’s stall is one thing, but being next to it all day it WAY too much temptation!  So the inevitable happened we came home with a few.  Have to say it wasn’t all Nick’s doing either.  As you all probably know, I’m a bit of a mild to medium chilli gal, but love that Habanero flavour, so had to buy a few “Apricot” plants; Chillies have hab flavour with virtually no heat, can’t wait to munch on these in my salads.


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Earlier in the month we were at the Devon Chilli Fiesta at RHS Rosemoor, our second Chilli festival of the year where our “Not so Mellow Yellow” won the award for Best Chilli Preserve.  Always a special award when it’s voted by the public in a blind tasting.  Probably our only award this year, as we have decided not to enter any awards schemes this year, as it’s a costly affair to enter; perhaps next year.

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I also picked up the award for the best in show for my own Bumblee’s Preserves stall, get me!

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Meanwhile the chilli babies are doing really well and they will be heading off to the tunnel shortly.  This year we will be using a new growing system, a big investment for us, but we hope they will be happier; meaning better plants with more chillies.  So we’ll keep you informed when it comes to the big move from greenhouse to tunnel.  There will be plenty of pictures to show you Nick’s pride and joy when they are in place.

Right best get on with boxing up ready for Nick to go off to Sherborne Castle tomorrow.  Thanks for reading my nattering, until next time, enjoy your chilli and we hope to see you soon.

Much love.

Mrs C x

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Chilli Festivals begin

3/5/2015

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It’s May already and we’re just back from our first 2015 Chilli Festival at Eastnor Castle.  One of the most beautiful venues, packed full of chilli; what more could we ask for?  Well when it’s coupled with sunshine and great company, it’s a winner!
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Must admit this is one of my favourite events and the sight of the massive chillies dotted around the place, always reminds you of the fun ahead.

This was our second year trading at Eastnor Castle Chilli Festival and it was lovely to have repeat customers looking for us.  I took a few minutes out to walk the Chillee Dog (Cassie) and watch the chilli eating competition.  As always the lads from the Clifton Chilli Club never disappoint.
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Picture by Chris Saunders (The Lurch)
As I watched, cheering on our chilli friend, Nick (Head Gardener at Eastnor Castle) it was amazing to witness the support the audience were giving the willing victims; Of course the contestants where incredible, totally nuts, but incredible. 
Proudly Nick managed to get to third place, as he did last year;  Looking forward to seeing him again next year, cheering him on again.
Walking back into the stately courtyard, full of wonderful chilli stalls, wonderful hot food smells from India, Mexico, Thailand, USA and good old blighty too.
After an evening of a few bevies and sampling some chilli wares the Clifton Chilli lads brought back from their trop to NYC, we woke to a beautiful blue sky and
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Thanks to Chris Saunders (The Lurch) for the image.
a packed Eastnor Castle. Lots of chilli heads, waiting to torture their taste buds and other there like most of us, to enjoy the flavours of the chilli.

There is always a touch of sadness towards the end of the second day, well for me anyway.
  I love my chilli family and it’s hard to say goodbye until the next time (Old softie!).

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 Still as one event ends we arrive home to make more, ready for the next event. 

This time it’s Devon Chilli Fiesta at RHS Rosemoor.  Now in its second year, it’s set in yet another stunning location. 

Anyone in the South West it’s a great place to enjoy an early chilli festival in our area, before the main ones take place in August/September.


Well I’ve waffled enough, so best get on with some work, before Mr Chillees finds me sitting down!

Before I go I want to give a big thank you to all our Chilli play mates, who made the weekend a great one; The Clifton Lads, The Bath Pig-lets, Mr Friz and The Lurch.

Until next time, hope to see you at one of our events.

 

Much love,

Mrs Chillees x


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    The Chillees

    New small Business Growing our own chillies & making small batches of Sauces, Jams & Chutney's.  It's all about the flavour as well as the heat.

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