Why preserve?

My goodness, how I love preserving!  This morning I made pickled zucchini slices and zucchini pickle from the abundance of zucchini in our garden, and made redcurrant jelly that set to perfection, and blackcurrant cordial from the fruit my daughter Stephanie provided.  It is so delectable and so deliciously simple to do.  There is simply … Continue reading Why preserve?

Strawberry Jam

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

Plain Cake

Plain Cake 1½ cups self raising flour 1 cup sugar ½ cup milk 2 eggs 125g melted butter ½ teaspoon vanilla essence  Turn oven to 160°C (fan forced) and grease and line the base with baking paper of an 18 to 20cm deep sided cake tin.  Place all ingredients in a bowl and beat for … Continue reading Plain Cake

Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble  8 cooking apples (such as Granny Smiths), peeled, cored and diced ¼ cup water Pinch of ground cloves (optional) ½ cup sugar, approximately 1 cup self raising flour ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 75g butter, diced  Turn oven to 170°C (fan forced).  Grease a 20cm casserole dish.  Place the apples, water and … Continue reading Apple Crumble

Preserved Lemons

Preserved Lemons 4 lemons Coarse salt Lemon Juice Olive oil  Wash the lemons well.  Cut the lemons in quarters lengthways from the pointed end, but only cutting to within 1cm of the base.  Place 2 tablespoon salt in the base of a large sterilised jar.  Pack about 1 teaspoon of salt into each lemon, pressing … Continue reading Preserved Lemons