I love the idea of giving homemade presents at Christmas, even more so if they are foodie ones. So, this October I made a batch of apple, date and walnut chutney and left the jars of intense, chunky, vinegary fruitiness to mature in the larder. Similar to that melting stage when you make the Christmas cake, when all the dried fruit, alcohol and stem ginger gets stirred into the pot of melted butter and muscovado sugar, I was rewarded by a big glossy pot of fruit, nuts and onions and a deliciously promising aroma whilst the chutney was reducing down. Mmmmm!
The recipe is from a big hardback book of farmhouse recipes, that I found in my mum's plentiful cookbook cupboard, and I was very impressed with its ideas and depth of instruction (e.g. tips on potting and sealing your chutney). I will get the recipe up asap!
Anyway...now that it has been maturing for the recommended minimum period, I decided to dress up my jars in plenty of time for present giving, one of which is going to my designated Secret Santa recipient from the office!
