TARRAGON & THYME

Before you make this recipe you will need to prepare some sweet pickling vinegar which I ideal for sweet and fruit pickles.  Any vinegar can be used but if using the white spirit vinegar make sure that you use white granulated sugar. 2lb brown or white sugar 2pints white distilled vinegar, white wine or malt vinegar 1 tablespoon of whole cloves 2inch stick of cinnamon 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds 1 tablespoon of whole allspice 6 blades of mace Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar and pour into a large jar or bottle.  Put the spices in a muslin bag and add to macerate in the vinegar. Leave to steep for 6 to 8 weeks tightly covered.  Strain and use as required. I have made this by warming through the vinegar, dissolving the sugar and then adding the spice bag and bringing to the boil.  I then leave overnight to steep but make sure it is well covered so as not to attract the vinegar fly.  Strain and use as required. I love the rich sc...

If you start now you still have time to do some simple pickles for your pantry shelf in readiness for Christmas.  Cucumber pickle or as is commonly known Bread and Butter Pickles do not need as long a maturing time as a fruit rich chutney but even with that you still have time although chutneys are always better for a longer keeping. Ingredients: 6 medium sized cucumbers (if large deseed them but otherwise I just slice them) 1 Green or Red pepper deseeded and finely sliced (optional) 50g salt 1 tsp of ground Turmeric 200g White granulated Sugar 2 mild onions 400ml White vinegar (you can use Cider Vinegar or Wine Vinegar) 2 tsp of Mustard Seed 1 tsp celery seed coarsely crushed 1 tsp fennel seeds coarsely crushed When choosing your cucumbers make sure that they are nice and firm. When cutting the cucumber pepper and onion try to make the pieces of similar size - evenly and finely. Arrange the vegetables in a colander and place int...

I thought I would keep a check list for the items prepared/bought in the run up to Christmas so that I can keep tabs on what I have done and what I need to do.  I know I am lucky and  that I probably have a little more than most. But if I make jam or chutney or anything else  - I do tend to share things as well.  This post is more an aide memoire for me rather than to make anyone feel uncomfortable but I do squirrel away goodies for special occasions bought as cheaply as I can just by putting up a few bits here and there.  A lot of the items are not just for Christmas but also me stocking up for items that I use regularly throughout the year that is another reason  whyI make so much myself.  getting more for my money  For instance the Arctic rolls were on offer at £1 apiece as were the Viennettas.  They are not something that we usually have, but occasionally it perks you up to have something different. This list constit...