Preserving basics: making preserves for Christmas

What you will learn:

• How to use different preserving techniques.
• Select and re-use suitable jars and how to sterilise them.
• How to pretty up jars of preserves to make them suitable to give away.

What you get:

• Recipes all of the preserves made.
• Tastings of preserves.
• Morning tea.
• Preserving basics booklet, authored by Maria.
• Jars of the preserves made on the day.
• The opportunity to dress up the preserves to make them suitable for giving as gifts, including tags.

Giving a home made gift that is appreciated for Christmas to friends, family and colleagues need not be expensive, nor too difficult or time-consuming . Using some basic preserving techniques, you will make jars of tasty preserves to give away (or take home and enjoy for yourself!). These techniques can be used on most fruit and veggies so that you learn to make your own preserves, with no artificial additives and nasty numbers. No preserving background is assumed as you are taken through how to prevent food spoilage using the different preserving methods. You will discuss which jars and lids to use and the safe storage of the preserves. The preserves made will be mainly with seasonal fruit and veggies and will include a jam, a chutney or relish, some bottled fruits in brandied syrup and making a batch of homemade Christmas fruit mince.

Bring: apron and a sturdy bag or small box in which to take home hot preserves.