Recipes for Jams and Preserves

I hate waste. I have a tendency to buy too many raspberries when they're in season (strawberries too). So at my grandmother's suggestion I tried making raspberry jam with left over raspberries that had gone a bit soft (this is also a great way to use raspberries or other berry fruit that you may have picked up cheap because its on or close to its sell by date). The cheapest place to buy raspberries is usually Asda, Tesco or Lidl. You can use frozen ones (this works out the cheapest option of all, 99p for 1kg in most supermarkets), but you must defrost them thoroughly before placing in the oven ... more

I was given this recipe by my sister-in-law after I mentioned I fancied making some lemoncurd. My husband adores it, so I thought I would try and give him some real homemade stuff. Well I must say that I reccommend this recipe as it is simple, easy and very quick. Also, of course there are no additives - which is why it doesn't keep for ever. But as it is so simple to do why not make some each month! The flavour is excellent, very lemmony, and the texture and spread quality very smooth. On hot buttered toast it cannot be beaten! I had never thought of using my microwave to make lemoncurd, but ... more

My favorite is Strawberry but bothof them are yummy on toast. Strawberries are at their best and cheapest during summer. Strawberry Jam Yields: About 5lb/2 kg jam, Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: about 1 hour. YOU WILL NEED. 3 and a half ib/1.5kg strawberries, 2 Lemons 3lb/1.25 kg white sugar. Hull the strawberries and place them in a cooking pan with the lemon juice,and the lemon rind and pith tied in a muslin bag. Heat very gently, stirring, until the juice begins torun. Simmer until the fruit is tender and the contents of the pan reduced. Add the sugar, stir until dissolved. Boil ... more

Have you ever happened to eat something made out of dandelions?? Reminds me of those childhood days when playing with friends we were "cooking" imaginary stone soups and dandelion salads. According to wikipedia dandelions make nice wine. How about dandelion preserve? Anyway this preserve is just brilliant and tastes great! Try it! You need: 400g dandelion flowers 2 lemons 1kg sugar Wash dandelions properly and leave them covered with water for about 24 hours. After that drain the water and rinse dandelions through with fresh water. Cut lemons to make half circles (don't peel them before ... more