This pair of early 20th century French hand beaten iron hanging lanterns are worth up to £2000 depending on condition. If you can find them with the original frosted glass, all well and good. However, new glass can be easily fitted and they will of course need rewiring. 

Likewise the original hanging chains are important but if not available they can be retro fitted but the value of the lanterns will be much less.

They measure: Height 90cm, Width 46cm, Depth 46cm. Height of drop including the hanging chain 175cm.

Dig around in the back of junk shops and brocantes. Always get to antique fairs early to get the best chance of finding bargains.

Spring brings longer sunny days and new life in the garden. Its time to be outside and enjoying new season vegetables.

Steamed asparagus simply served with free range eggs and jamón is hard to beat. Use freshly picked herbs (chives are ideal) finely chopped and sprinkled over with paprika or a few chilli flakes and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches new-season asparagus (about 500g)
• 75ml olive oil
• 4 eggs, free-range for preference
• 75g sliced jamón
• A good drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, to finish
• Flaked salt and black pepper
• Chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 handful fresh chives, snipped, to finish
• Leftover basmati rice and bacon (optional)

Step by step:

1. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and steam the spears for three to four minutes, until tender to the tip of a knife.
2. Meanwhile, put the oil in a nonstick pan on a medium-high heat, until it starts to shimmer. Add the eggs and fry until the whites are bubbly and crisp at the edges but the yolks are still runny. Remove with a spatula and pat their bottoms dry on a sheet of kitchen roll.
3. Arrange the asparagus on four warmed plates, top each portion with an egg and the slices of jamón, then drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and scatter with flaky sea salt and black pepper and paprika or chilli flakes (if using). Sprinkle over the chives and serve. We had some leftover rice and chopped bacon to use up.

We shopped at Aldi 15th May 2023. Asparagus £2.80 (20 spears), Jamón £1.99 (100g), Eggs £1.30 (4)

Contrary to popular myths about 75cl being the amount of wine somebody needs with a meal, or the lung capacity of glass blowers, the reason is purely mathematical and based on history. 

In the 19th century, the main customers of French wine producers were the English and the unit of volume of the English was the “imperial gallon” which was equivalent 4.54609 litres.

Wine was transported in 50 gallons barrels. 50 gallons is equivalent to approximately 225 litres. The British wine merchants decided that the 225 litres made a convenient 300 bottles of 75cl each. 225/300=0.75.

This is also why many wines are sold in cases of 6 bottles because six bottles equals one gallon.

Did you know?

The indentation in the base of a wine bottle is known as a punt. It is there to help the bottle remain more stable when standing upright. 

Steaming is a very gentle way of cooking fish and vegetables, retaining many more nutrients than boiling.

There are a variety of different steamers available. The stainless steel 3 basket or 3 pan stackable are ideal options. Prices start from about £10 to £35 for the best quality brands.

The bamboo baskets are around £10. They fit over a Wok or saucepan and are a fun way to serve Asian food direct to the table.

Cedar baskets are high quality longer lasting baskets, available for about £30

There are a number of electric steamers on the market and they start at around £25. Aldi currently have the one shown above on offer for £25

Go to the Prestige website > https://www.prestige.co.uk/