I think to counteract the general gloom we need a bit of excitement - let's make some jam! You have never made it before? Well, you are in the right place - this podcast which take you through what to do so that you end up with a few...
podcast
EP014: Marmalade
I think that marmalade is one of the most underrated preserves, almost an also-ran, but well-made marmalade can be so much more. Elevated beyond our morning toast it becomes an ingredient in it's own right - dressings, baking, glazes, casseroles, barbeques, drinks, sandwich fillings - then muliply by the...
EP013: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Aaaaand its almost over. I hope everything goes as you wished, that everyone is healthy and happy and full of hope for the New Year. Its time to tidy up, put the decorations away safely for another year, and get ready for the new school term. Happy memories have...
EP012: Eleven Pipers Piping
Two - yes TWO recipes today - classic Peppermint Creams - simple, easy, a welcome change from chocolate and rich fruits- it's a real crowd pleaser. Also the absoluteley delicious Apricot Brandy. You need to start two weeks before you actually want to drink it but the upside is,...
EP011: Ten Lords a-Leaping
If you have a Leaping Lord in your life maybe he would love some Wholegrain Mustard? Another ancient preserve brought to us by the Romans - the soldiers carried it everywhere with them in the form of mustard balls which had been dried in the sun and then carried...
EP010: Nine Ladies Dancing
Mix all of the ingredients in a pan, cook for 15 mins - lasts for two years. No further treatment required. A splendid traditional recipe from 200 years ago ( no, I didn't devise it!) What a fabulous thing Mincemeat is and I am restraining my self here as...
EP009: Eight Maids a-Milking
Wind back to episode two when I promised you a partner to the Vanilla Sugar - I don't like to disappoint. This is a quick easy make which you can keep as an all-time favourite for your own store cupboard and/or gift - even include in a hamper. 'Oh...
EP008: Seven Swans a-Swimming
Don't feed all of the stale bread to the ducks and swans, dry it thoroughly and blitz into breadcrumbs. Save in a ziplock bag - its not difficult. One of those little routines of life which, when assimilated as a routine, make the rest of your life a lot...
EP007: Six Geese a-Laying
Now for some Proper Preserving. Still quick, still easy, but unbelievably delicious. Fresh Lemon Curd is one of those delights in life which may be short lived, as it isn't meant to be stored, but it is short lived and magnificent. Back in the day I used to go...
EP006: Five Gold Rings
Caution: DO NOT start singing the song - it will be with you all day! I took marmalade as my theme for the Fifth Day of Christmas - but don't worry we are not making marmalade in the middle of the Christmas work up. We are making Marmalade Gin...