This morning it was pouring down with rain and there was not much chance of getting out and about so I took this opportunity to indulge in some preserve making. Our house backs on to allotments and I’m lucky enough to have one. When I took on the allotment it needed a lot of work (still does really) but I chose it because of the fruit trees, plums and apples. I have added to the fruit stocks planting raspberries, gooseberries, rhubarb, red and black currants. The currants and raspberries have come and gone used for puddings, pies and some have gone in the freezer, but I picked the gooseberries the other day and yesterday I picked some plums from the laden black plum tree. From the gooseberries I have made a subtle, lightly spiced relish and from the plums the most delicious jam. My go to book for preserves is the River Cottage Handbook No. 2, Preserves by Pam Corbin and both the jam and the relish recipes are from here.

(Click on images to enlage).