Stuck for ideas for a friend’s Christmas gift or adult Christmas stocking fillers then try making homemade strawberry jam but with a twist. Adding a little fiery dried crushed red chilli and tangy lime rind and juice turns classic strawberry jam into a great foodie gift. Makes 5-6 assorted small jars Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes 1kg (21/4lb) strawberries, hulled and halved 1 teaspoon dried crushed red chillies 1kg (21/4lb) jam sugar with pectin 2 limes, grated rind and...Read more

Spiced Pickled Peaches Delicious with cold meats on Boxing Day - especially gammon Ingredients Allspice Berries, whole 1 tsp Vinegar, Cider 10 fl oz300 ml Peaches 2lb1 kg Sugar, Demerara 14 oz400 g Ginger, Fresh Root, finger sized , Peeled and shredded 1 oz25 g Cinnamon Stick 0.5 each Cloves, whole 1 tsp Method First peel the peaches - put them into a large jug or bowl and pour over boiling water. Remove into a colander then peel carefully Put...Read more

Lemon Curd Luscious and velvety, nothing beats home-made lemon curd Ingredients Caster Sugar 3 oz75 g Lemon 1 each Butter , Salted or unsalted, cut into small cubes 2 oz50 g Eggs , Large free range 2 each Method Place the sugar into a bowl and grate the zest of the lemon onto the sugar Beat the eggs together in a separate bowl, squeeze the juice of the lemon and add to the eggs, mix thoroughly Pour the egg mixture...Read more