Last weekend we had people come to stay, one of whom has some strict dietary requirements.  One of the acceptable things to eat was pineapple, so I decided to experiment with it a little.  Here in Tasmania the pineapples were quite expensive,  so it made me all the more determined to make good use of them. … Continue reading Pineapple Cordial Syrup

This morning we travelled to the hills behind Saltwater River here on the Tasman Peninsula.  Last autumn our friend Denis had picked and frozen for me about 60kg of blackberries, and now the raspberries are in season he had 25kg there for me to collect.  With anticipation of this treasure we set out at 6am, … Continue reading Redcurrants and raspberries

If you have a Fowlers Vacola preserving kit, the whole process is easy, particularly if you have a thermostat controlled model.  However, if you don’t have a preserver at all, you can still preserve by using a large pot on the stove in which case you will need to buy a food thermometer so that … Continue reading Preserving Cherries

The wonders of quince – earlier this year, following a glut of quinces and in response to a suggestion from a listener who rang in to the Jams and Preserves segment, I tried freezing quinces.  Normally if I’ve frozen them it has been stewed for future use in pies and tarts, a bit labour instensive if you're … Continue reading Freezing fresh quinces and quince jelly

Yesterday for the first time I made marmalade with Seville oranges.  Usually I just use whatever’s available, be they Navels or Valencies, whatever.   I have however been told by marmalade connoisseurs and grannies older than myself that Seville oranges are the ONLY orange to use to make traditional marmalade.  So at a mere $1.79kg at … Continue reading Seville Orange Marmalade

It’s feijoa time again. This week I’ve been the happy recipient of a goodly number, so have made feijoa jelly. You can make jam with them of course, but some people dislike the slight grittiness of the flesh. I don’t recommend making chutney with them – I’ve tried this and wasn’t all that pleased with … Continue reading Feijoas

    A Apples are coming in thick and fast now so it's time to start making preserves with them, not to mention delicious cakes and puddngs.  Below are some of my favourite apple recipes.  Apple Mint Jelly is excellent served with  lamb or pork.  I often galze a leg of lamb with it about … Continue reading Apple recipes

It’s that time of year again.  As the weather closes in an autumn is upon us, the country laneways here in Tasmania are dotted with people young and old picking blackberries from the hedgerows.  Despite the inconvenience of thorns and prickles, the berries are well worth the picking as they make delightful jam and jelly.  … Continue reading Blackberries

Has anyone had trouble getting strawberry jam to set?  I know I have.  I've tried adding a couple of Granny Smith apples, and this helps, but this year I have developed a new way to ensure a good set.  It is by the simple addition of  a little tartaric acid.  For each 500g strawberries, you … Continue reading Strawberry Jam