An empty jar?

An empty jar collecting dust is like an empty friendship. Both take up space, serve no purpose, don’t inspire and if you’re feeling blue, no rosy warmth will ensue. Fill the jar, feel the friendship or say adieu to both. I stumbled upon these two quotes yesterday which I liked and wanted to share them with you, a different kind of nourishment . . . .

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." Oprah Winfrey

"Never force yourself to have a space in anyone's life because if they really know your worth, they'll surely create one for you." Barbara Piedrahita

oozzles of gorgeous shades of red

This recipe is all about filling jars and feeling good! Social scientists studying happiness have confirmed what many instinctively knew – its not objects that make people happy, its the relationships we form and  a sense of purpose to our life that gives true meaning and grace.

Pair a jar of chutney with a friends favourite cheese and you have yourself a present of dreams!

Warmth comes in pairs

Who’d of thought making chutney may make this Christmas a happier one!?! Creating gorgeous smells and giving fruity love this Christmas is a few simple steps away. The fragrant zing whilst cooking chutney wakens the senses and the deep crimson colour warms the heart, the kitchen will get a good freshening up too.

How to sterilise jars - You will need some empty jars of various sizes. Rinse them and place in a large pot and cover with boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes and carefully drain onto a clean tea towel – clean and sterile, ready to fill with this beautiful chutney that keeps for up to three months.

Any stubborn labels will peel off easily after this treatment!

I wonder as I stir the chutney and press the tomatoes with the back of the wooden spoon I’m holding, how will this Christmas be different? How can I make it more special?

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas!

Peg Bracken

Lots of love,

FFX

Cranberry & tomato chutney

Fresh cranberries, 300g

Cherry tomatoes, 300g

Dried cranberries, 100g

Red onion, 200g finely chopped

Black pepper, 12 turns

Ground ginger ½ tsp

Ground allspice ½ tsp

Light brown sugar, 200g

Sherry vinegar, 100ml

PUT fresh cranberries, tomatoes, dried cranberries and red onion into a heavy based pan.

POUR over 100ml of water and gently cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes.

STIR in spices, sugar and vinegar.

SIMMER for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

POT into jars.

SEAL with love.

GIVE with even more love!