Strawberry conserve

This is a recipe for Strawberry Conserve. It does not set as solid as a jam which I like and the taste is much better and fruitier as there is no added pectin which gives a slightly metallic flavour. Use equal amounts of strawberries and sugar I used 3lb of each and put the strawberries into a bowl, cover with the sugar and leave, covered, for 24 hours, overnight will do.



Transfer to a large pan and heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Then boil for 5 mins.



Return to the bowl and leave in a cool place (the fridge is fine) for another 24 hours.



Put back in the pan bring to the boil and boil for 10mins.



Leave to stand for 15 mins and then transfer to clean jars and seal with jam jar covers.



This may seem like hard work but it really is a very short amount of time and very little effort for the most amazing results. I love this best on Sunday morning on a freshly baked scone, yes I do get up and make scones on a Sunday morning, just call me Nigella!!

Today has been really lovely, I sat and sewed while the thunder raged outside and a flurry of sales from my shops. Pretty good start to the weekend!

Beans!

I have not been feeling too well this week but have been down to the allotment and picked the rest of the broad beans to freeze.So I took them out to the garden this afternoon and got the first batch podded and bagged while sitting in the sunshine. I always blanch them and slip them out of their skins, a very satisfying job and much tastier too!

I also made strawberry conserve from our strawberries this year as we had so many, I must take a photo before it all goes. It is much tastier than jam made with pectin or that 'sugar jam' which gives a very artificial flavour I think. I shall perhaps take a photo and share the recipe with you, very simple, fruit and sugar.

I have managed to keep up with sewing orders and much excitement is filling the house as plans are afoot to create another bedroom which will free up space for me to have a sewing room, small it will be but it's mine!!