The Preserver's Year

boredjellybean

ampersand wrote: »

if you ever come across the Sainsburys Preserves and Pickles book by Heather Lambert, grab it[just one of an excellent series they produced at 99p each in the 80's. I buy any I see and pass them on. Very desirable, very good, without exception.]

thanks ever so much, I've just ordered a copy from ebay

Sarah xxx

ampersand

boredjellybean wrote: »

thanks ever so much, I've just ordered a copy from ebay

Sarah xxx

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Looks cheaper on Amazon, bjb??? -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0861780698/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

-and I also mean grab up any of the series you see at carboots, in charity shops etc. I must have over 20 titles, convenient size too.

Gigervamp

ampersand wrote: »

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Hello gv,

How gutting for you both.

I'm now de-gassing e.c. twice a day and this morning was a much more regulated hiss.
I hesitate to suggest any reason for your vinegar result, given that you are the expert giving advice on so much here, but seeing[wording red h/l]...was this a solid lid? I tie double muslin over mine, so there is still air circulating. Just wondered if a combination of closure/weather during fermentation and possible condensation from a solid lid might have triggered something?

Lol, I wouldn't call myself an expert, otherwise I'd not manage to make fizzy vinegar!:rotfl:
You could have a point though. A couple of years ago I made two batches, one in a lidded fermenting bucket, the other in a bucket with muslin over the top. One of those batches also turned to vinegar, but I'm not sure which one it was.

Gigervamp

thriftlady wrote: »

I made some redcurrant cordial with my redcurrant harvest. Just like Ribena except red. There are some pics on Flickr

Ooh, I'll check that out, thanks.

lisa26_2

thriftlady - your redcurrant cordial looks lovely! Can you make your own cordial with other fruits?

I've just had a look back through the last few pages and I have a question.....what are bread and butter pickles? I'd love a recipe for a pickle that's like branston with a nice rich 'sauce' and crunchy carrot bits!

thriftlady_2

lisa26 wrote: »

thriftlady - your redcurrant cordial looks lovely! Can you make your own cordial with other fruits?

You certainly can. I've pm'd you

boredjellybean

ampersand wrote: »

#############
Looks cheaper on Amazon, bjb??? -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0861780698/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

-and I also mean grab up any of the series you see at carboots, in charity shops etc. I must have over 20 titles, convenient size too.

don't worry it was the same price on ebay I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more titles just impatient lol and wanted to get started as soon as possible

Sarah xxx

WillowMuse

Hi There, Just a quick question really, I borrowed a preserve recipe book from my local library and on every recipe it has said to warm the sugar:huh: Reading through this thread I have not noticed anyone else doing this, do you have to do it and if so what is the best method, by the way this is with either preserving sugar or ganulated:huh:

Thanks in advance
Shelly xx

thriftlady_2

I think it just helps it dissolve in the jam quicker. Not absolutely necessary.

minimooch

i just wanted to say a quick hello, and thanks for the advice I have read. I now have 10 jars of the most beautifully coloured and tasting strawberry jam in the cupboard. I keep eating it to admire the gorgeous colour. As suggested earlier in the thread i used the recipe of the back of the jam sugar pack, it it was very simple, quick and easy.

now counting down the days till the wild plums are ripe so i can make some wild plum jam.