The inspiration for this recipe is from Diana Henry's beautiful book - Salt, Sugar, Smoke. It has many ideas to inspire the keen cook, particularly at this time of the year. But these cherries were prepared in a sweet pickling juice back in July and have been waiting for an opportunity to pair up with a suitable cheese or meat.
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Real mincemeat with a twist
Sorry for the absence of posts but I am in New Zealand travelling. I have been in the North Island for two weeks and I have loved every minute of it. From the giant sand dunes of Opinoni to Waimangu Volcanic valley near Rotorua with it's amazing steaming fumeroles and hot water lakes. I like it all.
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Spiced pickled pears - delicious for Xmas
I really love these spiced pickled pears. Their translucent flesh turns golden as it simmers in a syrup made from soft brown sugar, white wine vinegar and a mix of spices. I have adapted the recipe from Sara Paston Williams's Christmas book written for the National Trust.
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Elderberry syrup
This is the time of year when anyone can forage for lovely food. Take the kids roaming along riverbanks and through the woods. It is the time for them to learn what they can and can't eat from the hedgerows. This is the time of year when anyone can forage for lovely food. Take the kids roaming along riverbanks and through the woods. It is the time for them to learn what they can and can't eat from the hedgerows.
Read MoreMirabelle plum jam
What can be nicer than a gift of plum jam which has been carefully made by someone you know? Last week I was in London visiting my two brothers. As I left my older brother Martin's house, he pressed a jar of amber coloured mirabelle plum jam into my hand.
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