Pickling and Preserving

Published: Oct. 17, 2011, 3:30 p.m.

Sheila Dillon looks at some of the ingenious ways we have developed of preserving food through the ages, and enjoys some autumn foraging for fruits and berries with Jill Mason of the School of Artisan Food in Nottinghamshire.

Elderberry and Apple Chutney

Ingredients:

425g Elderberries

425g Bramley Apples (peeled and cored)

1 Large onion (chopped)

50g sultanas

150g soft light brown sugar

150ml red wine vinegar

\xbd tablespoon cayenne pepper

\xbd tablespoon mixed spice

Method\nIn a large pan place the elderberries, apples, onion, sultanas, spices and half the vinegar and bring to the boil. \nReduce the heat and simmer until the fruit is soft

Add the remaing vinegar and sugar whilst still simmering and stir until the sugar has dissolved.\nContinue to simmer until the chutney has thickened.\nLadle the chutney into sterilised jars and seal.

Store for three months before eating.