Preserves, pickles and jams - easy as 1, 2, 3

Ever wonder what you can do with fruit that is not getting ripe? Or a little over-ripe?
Veggies that are looking a little wilted?

Pickle them, preserve them and it is really easy!

Firstly, you'll need some glass jars, and if you have a baby-bottle, microwave-steriliser still handy, you can use that to sterilize the bottles and lids. Alternatively, boil them in a pot while your jam or preserve reduces.

Look up an easy recipe on Google if you are really stuck for ideas.

Here is a recipe for a delicious pear preserve. (Makes 2 x 400ml jars)

Ingredients:
8 pears (peeled, cored and roughly chopped)
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp mixed spice
1tsp citric acid
juice and zest of 1 lemon

Method:
Place all the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to the boil.
Reduce heat and allow to simmer and reduce down to the stage where it is 'syrupy'.
Remove your boiled glass jars and pour/spoon mixture into the jars. Close with the lids tightly.
Refrigerate until needed.
This goes wonderfully on a cracker with a little Coppa Ham from www.coltempo.co.za and Grana Padano cheese. Yummy! And don't forget the wine!