But joking aside, now is the time to think about pickling and making some jam for the winter.

I dont see many people blackberry picking these days and yet they are hanging like grapes in the hedgerows at the moment and you may not realise this, but they are FREE!!

That is until Mr Blair decides to slap a duty on them.

So grab an old ice cream container and get out into the country. The children will love it and there are so many differnt things you can make, such as jam, sauce for duck or goose or even some wine.

I have a russian recipe for you this week as I have just returned from a tour of the conservative clubs over there and I hope you enjoy.

Bitoks of Beef Smitaine

1 lb Lean Minced Beef
1 med onion (Chopped finely)
Sprig of thyme
1 egg yolk
salt and black pepper

For the Sauce Smitaine

1 tblspoon finely chopped shallot
6 cup mushrooms chopped
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 pint Creme Fraiche
1 vegetable stock cube

To make the Bitoks

Combine beef, onion, thyme (flaked) egg yolk and seasoning in a bowl and divide into 4 cakes
Chill in fridge for 1-2 hours

Then cook in a pan, or under a grill or if you have a George Forman grill that will be superb.

Keep warm while making the sauce

Sauce

Fry onion until transparent and add mushrooms
Cook gently, add stock cube and white wine and reduce by half
Stir in creme fraiche and and pour over your bitoks

Serve immediately with rice and a green salad

Recommended wine Cabernet Syrah.

Do you have any requests, you can email your suggestions to phillip.minett@newmarketjournal.co.uk