[pigguns]

Sorry MC, tried roasting with flavourings but they really do not float my boat.

We are all different

I gave all mine away last year, I didn't like them to eat, but they look so pretttttttyyyyyyy

[Mrs Bee]

Sorry MC, tried roasting with flavourings but they really do not float my boat.

We are all different

I gave all mine away last year, I didn't like them to eat, but they look so pretttttttyyyyyyy

  Yeah, they do look pretty.

[Madame Cholet]

Yes like flying saucers

[bravemurphy]

And as to what not to grow...... summer squash, the patty pan variety. A tasteless mouthful of nothing.
 

Not a truer word said, they taste of umm                nothing.

[surbie100]

I love Patty Pans roast in the oven with chilli flakes or in a Mexican squash stew.

MC you're not on your own - I like 'em too. 

[Kristen]

The beauty of French Climbers is that the plants die off about now when you've had enough anyway. Runners on the other hand keep going until winter, long after you've become sick and tired of them

Not if you plant a 2nd lot later which are just coming into their own

I sow-a-seed where I plant-a-plant in Spring - that brings on a later crop a month or so behind the greenhouse-raised early crop.

[AlaninCarlisle]

I sow-a-seed where I plant-a-plant in Spring - that brings on a later crop a month or so behind the greenhouse-raised early crop.

What a good idea. Must try that next year

[GrannieAnnie]

I grew patty pan for the first time this year.  Like a lot of veg, they do not taste of much, but I've been freezing them in chunks and adding them to courgette soup.

I also roasted a couple of large ones last week and stuffed with all sorts, that was nice, even Brian said he'd have one of them again!

As to runners and climbing french.  I love my blue lake, they do very well here and I have loads in the freezer to go in stews, curries etc.  I didn't grow as many runners this year as normal as Brian doesn't like them frozen, so we've had plenty to eat fresh.  How on earth can you get bored with runner beans?

They are wonderful!  I could eat a plate of them on their own!   

[Mrs Bee]

I grew patty pan for the first time this year.  Like a lot of veg, they do not taste of much, but I've been freezing them in chunks and adding them to courgette soup.

I also roasted a couple of large ones last week and stuffed with all sorts, that was nice, even Brian said he'd have one of them again!

As to runners and climbing french.  I love my blue lake, they do very well here and I have loads in the freezer to go in stews, curries etc.  I didn't grow as many runners this year as normal as Brian doesn't like them frozen, so we've had plenty to eat fresh.  How on earth can you get bored with runner beans?

They are wonderful!  I could eat a plate of them on their own!   

Oh yes. Fresh runners not frozen, just a big bowl with a knob of rich salted butter. Bliss.

[Madame Cholet]

but slicing is such a bore 

[TheWhiteRabbit]

but slicing is such a bore 

That depends on how quick you are with a knife! Get a nice sharp Japanese knife and it suddenly becomes way more fun 

[8doubles]

I grew patty pan for the first time this year.  Like a lot of veg, they do not taste of much, but I've been freezing them in chunks and adding them to courgette soup.

I also roasted a couple of large ones last week and stuffed with all sorts, that was nice, even Brian said he'd have one of them again!

As to runners and climbing french.  I love my blue lake, they do very well here and I have loads in the freezer to go in stews, curries etc.  I didn't grow as many runners this year as normal as Brian doesn't like them frozen, so we've had plenty to eat fresh.  How on earth can you get bored with runner beans?

They are wonderful!  I could eat a plate of them on their own!   

Quite often runner beans are the main ingredient as in runner beans halved cherry toms  finely chopped onion  and thinly sliced chorizo sausage  micowave for 5 mins  and serve with crusty bread !

[Mrs Bee]

but slicing is such a bore 

That depends on how quick you are with a knife! Get a nice sharp Japanese knife and it suddenly becomes way more fun 

I am quite grateful for the job of slicing beans. I sit down with the beans and watch TV while doing them. And I have just treated myself to some of those lovely Japanese knives and they are brilliant to work with.

I love your recipe suggestion, 8doubles.

[Madame Cholet]

I'll stick to the no slice type ie French ones

[Growster...]

Too many courgettes again...

But like a lot of veg, it's what you put with them, that makes the difference! Our favourite is onion, sea salt, parmesan slices round the edge of a baking dish and lots of garlic and breadcrumbs.

We're going to take a leaf out of Sarah Raven's book next year, and cut down on veg which are really not worth the hassle and the space, like swede, and concentrate on veg which really are different if you grow them yourself.