Autumn Jobs

It is that bittersweet time of year - regrets as the children go back to school and the realisation that the Summer is closing. This is closely followed by anticipation of the Christmas to come - but - and its a big BUT - in between there is the glut of Autumn to deal with.

Personally, I have plums and damsons everywhere and the apples will soon start to roll in. I had some lovely windfalls from my own tree so used the last of the mint to make some lovely jellies. They set really well because the apples were super fresh and therefore full of pectin, just what is needed.
I jarred it up in the superb 120ml bonta jars and used the Summer Frocks plaid lids. They look very fresh and appealing.

I also used some of the apples in a beetroot chutney  ( I had beetroot as well! ) It is such a glorious colour and makes a superb addition to the Boxing Day table and goes particularly well with cold meats and cheeses. Unfortunately the downside is that someone will spill it on your best white tablecloth or the carpet!

New Equipment

To add to our arsenal of equipment lovejars.co.uk now has a quality 9 tray dehydrator in stock made by the America manufacturer, Excalibur. A tried and tested product it comes complete with an instruction/recipe book but really, they are very easy to use.

I bought mine, which looks very much the same, from eBay quite a few years ago now, when it was much harder to find this kind of equipment. I am very pleased to now be offering something with a 5 year domestic use guarantee or 1 year for professional use.

If you are a serious preserver then you won't regret adding dried food to your range of products offered to your customers or enjoyed at home. Dried fruits, mushrooms, fruit leather, candied fruit, tomatoes, meats - biltong and beef jerky, herbs, there isn't much you can't dry

If you are a registered customer with a log in then you will be able to access a special discounted price for VIPs ( Very Important Preservers ) You will see it displayed next to the full price in the product listing - your price has a red star beside it - see what we did there? We think you are all stars.

I hope you can keep up over the next few weeks as the glut descends - it will all be worth it.