I am a fan of classic strawberry jam but I may never look back after enjoying the layers of flavours in this amazing Orange & Strawberry Jam with Vanilla & Mint. Orange really brings out the fruity flavours of the strawberries and then the vanilla and mint lift it to a whole new level. 1kg strawberries (I used frozen) 4 oranges 2 lemons 2 vanilla pods 1kg jam setting sugar A dozen or so mint leaves Hull the strawberries, cut them in halves or quarters, and put … [Read more...]
Strawberry & Banana Jam Recipe
My Lady Finger bananas are now producing well but this means that you have to do something with 100 or so bananas all ripening at once. I decided to try making Strawberry & Banana Jam. I regularly use Jam Setting Sugar that has pectin in it to make quick and easy fruit jams - you just need 1kg of whatever fruit or fruit combination you happen to have available. 500g hulled strawberries (I used frozen) 500g peeled bananas 1kg jam setting sugar ~10g knob of butter Mash strawberries … [Read more...]
Balsamic Strawberry Syrup Recipe
Strawberries and balsamic vinegar together are an amazing taste experience, with sweet and tart flavours kicking up the sensations. Strawberry Balsamic Syrup - delicious! It adds a touch of style to pancakes and waffles, your ice cream sundaes will never be the same. You can also drizzle it over pork chops and chicken for a flavour burst. 3 cups strawberries, hulled - I used frozen 1/2 cup water ~3 cups sugar (equal amount to pureed strawberries) 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar Mash … [Read more...]
The Birds and My Berries
I have a love-hate relationship with the birds in my garden and have written previously about feeding the birds and stopping the birds from eating all the plums. This year I have been fighting a losing battle between the birds and my berries, particularly my blueberries. There must be something special about blueberries or maybe it is that blackbirds really like a challenge. I'm tending towards the challenge explanation and have evidence that they keep learning new tricks to get to the netted … [Read more...]
Strawberry & Fig Jam Recipe
I love new twists on my 'old favourite' recipes for preserving fruits and vegetables, and Strawberry & Fig Jam is now firmly on my list of new favourites. My strawberries are producing copiously this year and, now that I've figured out where the birds were getting in, I'm harvesting a good supply. Any that are surplus to requirements at the time, I just hull them and freeze them whole (see also Freezing Fruit). Also in my freezer were some figs that really needed to be used before the … [Read more...]
Four Berry Jam Recipe
I grow as many different berries as I can in my garden because they are so easy to grow, freeze really well, and are great for cooking right throughout the year. Sometimes I end up with only a small amount of each of the different types of berries left in the freezer, not enough to make anything specific with any of them. This year I tried making a Four Berry Jam recipe with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. The amount of each doesn't really matter and the end result is … [Read more...]
Healthy Banana Icecream Recipe
I couldn't believe that a delicious recipe for icecream could be this simple. Even more amazing is that whipped up frozen bananas do actually have the consistency of traditional icecream. And it is healthy! Slice bananas and freeze until solid. Place frozen bananas in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy (thawing the bananas for 5 minutes first makes it easier to blitz). Eat immediately or refreeze if desired to use later. If using later, remove from freezer a few minutes … [Read more...]
Strawberry & Feta Salad
A glorious salad with strawberries, feta, cashews, cucumber and greens, drizzled with avocado oil. Suitably festive-looking that you could serve it on Christmas Day. Lettuce, spinach or any combination of salad greens you like Strawberries (preferably fresh from the garden) Feta (preferably home-made) Cucumber (preferably fresh from the garden) Cashews Avocado or Olive Oil Spread salad greens in a dish. Top with strawberries, feta, cucumber and cashews. Drizzle with … [Read more...]
Strawberry Jam with Grand Marnier
Strawberry jam is perfect with scones and cream. This recipe has a bit of a citrus twist with lemon juice and Grand Marnier that makes it even better. 2kg strawberries (can use frozen) Juice of 2 lemons 125g Grand Marnier 2kg sugar Place strawberries in a bowl and marinade in 75ml Grand Marnier, lemon juice and sugar for about 2 hours, stir regularly. Transfer strawberries & juice to a pan and simmer over a low heat until fruit is soft. Bring to the boil and boil for … [Read more...]
Spiced Strawberry Syrup
Strawberries and citrus is a flavour match made in heaven. Add some spices and you have this absolutely delectable syrup that will definitely have you coming back for more. It also makes a perfect gift if you can bear to share some. 500g chopped strawberries (frozen is fine) a large knob of grated ginger zest and juice of 2 lemons and 1 orange 1 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt 1 cup caster sugar 1 tbsp cardamom seeds Cinnamon stick Star anise To the bowl of a … [Read more...]