Posted @ 11:00:24 on 21 August 2011
Next saturday is holiday time - woohoo! It can't come soon enough, as my energy tanks were way beyond red a long time ago. I am off home to Dartmoor for two weeks with my sister and sister in law. I can't wait. Reading and walking every day. In London when I try to walk people think I am strange as I have no dog - that I must be looking for trouble, or lost or just plain mad. In preparation I am making some pear and walnut chutney, as our poor pear tree has almost fallen over due to the weight of the pears this year. This recipe is perfect as it calls for pears that are firm... mine are a little bit shy of ripe for eating, but good enough for chutney. Recipe thanks to Green Gourmet Giraffe: Of course I never follow a recipe, but it is good to get the idea... Chunky Pear and Walnut Chutney Makes 2 medium jars 70g dried cranberries Zest and juice of 1 orange 600g (4 or 5) firm pears, peeled and chopped 1 granny smith apple, peeled and chopped 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 cup (250ml) cider vinegar 200g sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp mustard powder 1 tsp allspice 1 tsp ginger ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 60g roasted walnuts, chopped Pour orange juice and zest over the cranberries. Set aside. Bring cider, onions, apples and pears in large saucepan. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add cranberry mixture, sugar, salt and spices. Stir an additional 20-30 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Add the walnuts and leave to cool slightly. Store in sterilised jars.