Savory Gift
A savory gift, not everyone loves sugar and spice........
Apple & cranberry chutney
Ingredients
1kg cooking apples, peeled and chopped into small chunks
500g eating apple, peeled and chopped into large chunks
450g onion, sliced
50g fresh root ginger, finely chopped
1 tsp peppercorns
500g granulated sugar
250ml cider vinegar
500g cranberry
Method
Place all ingredients except cranberries in a large heavy-based saucepan, then gently heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 50 mins, stirring regularly until the apples and onions are tender, the mixture has thickened and no watery juice remains.
Add the cranberries, then cook for a further 10 mins or so until just softened but not burst.
Spoon the hot chutney into sterilised jars and seal (see instructions below). Store unopened in a cool, dark place. The chutney will keep for up to 6 months. Chill on opening.
Seeded Oat cakes
Ingredients
50g butter
100g medium oatmeal
100g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp poppy seed
2 tbsp sesame seed
Method
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Melt the butter in a small pan, then allow to cool slightly. Tip all the dry ingredients into a bowl, with ½ tsp salt, then pour in the butter. Add 5-6 tbsp boiling water and combine to make a firm dough.
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface, then roll out until about 0.5cm thick. Cut into small squares, then bake for 12-15 mins until golden. Leave to cool for a few mins, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Apricot Stilton Pots
Ingredients
300g vegetarian Stilton
100g softened butter
40g chopped walnut
25g dried apricot, chopped
Method
Crumble or grate the stilton into a small bowl. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then stir in the stilton.
Pack into three 150ml/¼ pt ramekins and smooth the tops. Mix the walnuts and apricots and press on top of the cheese. Wrap in cling film and chill for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.