Here at the Steppin’ Stone Centre, as part of our Steppin’
Forward and Social Enterprise Projects we have started to make pickles, jams,
chutney, flavoured oils etc that are available to buy from the centre. These
are made by our members from the herbs, fruit and vegetables we grow organically
on our allotments, and the produce donated by the Replenish team. 
We ask the members who would like to get involved with this
to sign up for a three month contract with us. This means they have to be
committed for this time and attend two 1.5 hour sessions per week. All members
involved in this project also have to do a Level 2 certificate in Food Safety
for Catering.
The type of preserves we make depends on the produce we have
on the allotments or that has been donated. We currently have:
MARROW AND GINGER JAM: 
This is an unusual sounding jam but utterly
delicious. As well as marrow and ginger the recipe includes the juice and zest
of lemons. It goes as well with cold
meat or cheese as it does with a hot slice of toast and butter. Well worth a
try!
SPICEY PUMPKIN CHUTNEY: This is a delicious chutney made with pumpkin,
apple, raisons and spices such as coriander, and cumin. It is great with cold
meats and cheeses, or add a couple of spoonfuls to a homemade curry for depth
of flavour. PICKLED BEETROOT: 
A classic recipe. The beetroot is pickled
in white or red wine vinegar which has been infused with black pepper corns and
other spices. Lovely! HERB, SPICE AND CHILLI INFUSED OILS:  
We use a mild olive oil
for these which we infuse with the chosen ingredient. They are stored in a
cool, dark place for 3 weeks and then strained producing flavoursome oil that can be used for cooking,
salad dressings or marinade.
As the seasons change so will our preserves. You can look
forward to RASPBERRY FRIDGE JAM, GREEN TOMATO CHUTNEY, SWEETBEET RELISH, ONION
MARMALADE, GARDEN PESTO and other lovely things.
PORCH PICKLES are available to buy from the Steppin’ Stone
Centre and prices vary from £1.50 to £3.00. Please ask keep an eye on the
website, or ask Emma for more information on ingredients and what’s available.
If you have a favourite recipe let us know and if we have
the ingredients we will give it a go!
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