I have the preserving pan out again! I really do like giving friends food gifts at Christmas. I think it is very much a 'feel good' thing to do! You would think this would mean that I spend less money, but no, I am not that wise and still end up buying presents as well. It is an expensive time, *sigh* and it really shouldn't be should it?
I wanted to make an apple and pear chutney this time and decided to add passion fruit as an experiment. The little jewel-like seeds didn't soften as I supposed they might, but added a little bit of crunch. I was quited surprised! Luckily they do add to the overall flavour.
Apple, Pear & Passion Fruit Chutney
3 cooking apples, peeled and chopped
1 large pear, peeled and chopped
2 passion fruit, halved and scooped out
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups malt vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 cup demerara sugar
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
12 dates, stoned and chopped
1 cup raisins
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
Place the pear, apples, passion fruit, onion, salt and vinegar in a large pan and bring to the boil. Add all the other ingredients, bring back to the boil and then simmer for approximately 40 mins until the chutney has thickened, stirring occasionally.
Decant into sterilised jam jars.
Store in a cool, dark place for a couple of months to mature. This chutney will keep for up to a year, in that cool place, but once opened keep in the fridge.
Passionfruit in a chutney sounds most interesting - I love its tart flavour and crunchy seeds - am sure I have had it in jams and found it pleasing - now you make me want to go and buy some!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great idea--I love homemade gifts for the holidays, too. I think you've inspired me to pull out the recipe books and start cooking! (I've never had passionfruit, but it does sound good. . .)
ReplyDeleteIt's such a sexy fruit (hence the passion fruit name) and this would go nicely with pork (I know, I'll eat your portion).
ReplyDeleteIm trying to make a lot of gifts this year and I can honestyl say this is going to be one expensive christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be at the receiving end of one of these jars! You have some lucky friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Sylvie - what a great gift. I love the passion fruit addition... bet the seeds add nice texture.
ReplyDeleteThat looks delicious...and anyone who is a recipient of that is very lucky, indeed.
ReplyDeleteSoo exciting! I lvoe everything passion fruit!
ReplyDeleteI do like passion fruit Johanna, but I was most surprised that the seeds went crunchy.
ReplyDeleteYou have to try passionfruit Ricki, is is so gorgeous. Lovely drizzled over some yoghurt. Although saying that, I am thinking you may not eat yoghurt?
Ok Peter, you can eat yours with pork. If you must!
What are you making Beth? Or would that just ruin the surprise?
I hope they think so too Silvie :)
They definitely add a crunch Lo and you will see from the picture that they darken in colour too.
Thank you Joan :)
Me too Alejandra :)
Oooh, how absolutely beautiful! What a thoughtful, warm gift!
ReplyDeleteThank you Astra :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. It looks just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diann :)
ReplyDeletethat chutney looks wonderful :) yum!
ReplyDeleteMind if I link to you? I like to ask.
Thank you!
That would be great Jo! I will return the favour. I did love your mozzarella fritters on a caesar's salad. Yum :P
ReplyDeleteThis chutney has such a wonderful combination of fruits, I am sure it tastes yum :-)
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. Have never come across a chutney with passion fruit before. But yeah, why not?!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever had passion fruit. The insides look really interesting. The chutney sounds good!
ReplyDeletethe crunch from passion seeds is so interesting. I think it tastes great, don't you?
ReplyDeleteA rather posh but delicious chutney! Superb!
ReplyDeleteCheers
David
most interesting combo! looks yummy..gonna try it sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time here. u have a lovely space.
Do have a look at my blog!
It is good Usha :)
ReplyDeleteI just wished it had remained juicy
Spaghett, I think I may add them right at the end of cooking, just before i jar it up, next time.
You must try passion fruit Kevin, it is wonderful :P
I am eating a lot of pomegranate just now Jude, it is one of the foods I love at this time of year!
I wouldn't go that far David, but thanks :)
Thank you Vij, I will come and visit you :)
I was going to try this lovely sounding chutney however I dont have cooking apples- only regular- does that mean i reduce the sugar content in the recipe?
ReplyDelete