Green Bean and Courgette Chutney

I have a huge excess of green beans and courgettes right now – and obviously so did the people at Riverford Organic veg box scheme – as this is where I have stolen the basis for this recipe.  I’ve made green bean chutney before (a family favourite from my Great Auntie June – I must…

Sweet Chilli Jam

This stuff is gorgeous!.  Sweet, sticky with a chilli kick, it’s a superb addition to any hamper or plate of nibbles.  It’s also a brilliant way to use up those chillis and peppers you’ve spent all summer cultivating and are now daunted by.  You’ll be able to taste the sweet red piquant sunshine for a…

Bramley Jelly

The trees are heaving with apples right now, driving down any country road you’ll almost certainly see them being offered for free or for a small donation outside people’s houses.  I have a reliable apple supplier, a good friend of mine with a large tree in her garden, who will keep me in pectin rich…

Seville Sunshine.

Marmalade.  Bitter, orange, tangy, sweet, citrus, sticky sunshine on toast. I love making preserves.  There’s a huge sense of satisfaction in taking a troublesome glut of fruit or veg, and making something wonderful out of it.  Preserves make up a huge percentage of my gifts to people, and I don’t think we’ve bought a jam,…