Tonight we will mainly be eating.....

Fennel Gratin with cucumber and tomato salad.

All our crops are just beginning to ripen. Last night it was vegetable curry with aubergine and tonight it's the turn of the fennel.

Now fennel is one of those things you either love or hate - we love it and this year we've had a bumper crop. So tonight it's the fruits of our labours.

Before anyone asks it's a flat variety, that is the bulbs flatten as opposed to being round like a cricket ball.

I was planning a foodie pic tonight with the recipe but the window man is still working in the kitchen so it'll be a late meal.

Basically, steam the fennel, add to white sauce, top with a layer of parmesan and breadcrumbs, zap in the oven until brown and bubbly, serve with parsleyfied pasta, cucumber salad and a wee glass of vin rouge.

Fantastic. In fact it could be my favourite meal.