The sun has still got his hat on.

Even this late in the year it's gloriously warm and the allotment feels like a piece of paradise. I'm getting some of the plot ready for the winter and the October inspection by the council while nasturtiums and sweet peas are still in bloom.

I'm still harvesting courgettes and growing beetroot and other squash.

Beetroot and chocolate cake.

I needed some new ways to use beetroot as I've got tonnes. So i made this delicious and surprisingly light cake. Delicious with a bit of cream. The recipe was Nigel Slater's. It also gave me the chance to use the whisk attachment on my food processor for the first time.