English Food From Jams and Preserves to Chutneys and Pickles
Preserving is a culinary art form that's often handed down through generations. Most of us probably have a tattered rag with 'grandma's pickle recipe' scribbled on it in the back of a cookbook. These recipes date back to a time before freezers were a common item in most kitchens - but that does not make them old-fashioned. In fact, jam making, preserving and pickling are making a comeback - and high time, too! Dealing with a glut of home-grown produce has always been a challenge to the thrifty cook, but one that the English have nobly risen to.
Jams and PreservesIn England, jams, marmalades and fruit spreads are available in a wide variety of tastes, from traditional orange marmalade, to rhubarb and soft fruits, to strawberry jam, elderberry, plum, apple and blackberry jam.In fact, jam making is becoming so popular that the kitchen appliance manufacturers are getting in on the act! These days, you can buy bread makers that also make jam (if that goes wrong, do you get toast and jam?) and Tefal have even developed an electric jam maker.
Pickles and ChutneysEnglish food would not be complete without pickles and chutneys! They brighten up sandwiches and salads, spice up cold cuts, enliven barbecues and generally add zest and zing to everything they come into contact with!As with jams and preserves, the best ones are usually to be found at farmers' markets or sales held by the local Women's Institute! And if you lost grandma's secret chutney recipe in your last move or clearout, you can restock your bookshelf with the collective wisdom of the WI.
I'm currently researching chutney recipes for my own larder, and I'm sure some of them will find their way here!
Return to the English food page for more tasty inspiration.
Or check out the following pages for tasty jam, pickle and sauce recipes:

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