Autumn is early this year! So if you need to know what to do with all the apples and pears you may have in your back garden why not preserve them in this lovely chutney recipe.

Perfect with cheese, game or just on its own on hot toast!

Ingredients

1125g Pears, peeled, cored and cut into large dice

120g Apple, peeled and chopped

1.5 tsp salt

375g very ripe tomatoes, peeled, de-seeded and chopped

120g Onion finely chopped

120g Golden Sultanas

3 tbsp Orange zest, coarsely chopped

Juice of 3 oranges

450g caster sugar

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp ground nutmeg

3/4 tsp cayenne pepper

45g fresh ginger, finely chopped

450 ml white wine vinegar

large pinch of saffron

Method

Put all the ingredients except the pears in a broad thick bottomed pan and slowly bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Gently simmer for 1 hour continuing to stir, until the mix becomes thick and syrupy, like jam. Test by wiping your finger across the back of a spoon. It should leave clear trace.

Add the pears and simmer for a further 40 minutes.

Transfer to a re-sealable container, allow to cool completely, seal and refrigerate.

The chutney can be eaten straight away and will keep for at least 3 months which will allow the flavour to develop and become richer and deeper.

Happy Cooking!