Two of Caroline’s favourite autumnal recipes

autumnal recipes

There’s a certain magic in the air as the days grow shorter and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. At Thatcham Kitchens, nestled in the heart of Thatcham, Berkshire, we couldn’t be more excited for autumn, a season that brings with it a cornucopia of flavours and culinary delights. Autumn recipes come alive with the bounty of seasonal ingredients and produce that graces our kitchen countertops.

As the temperature begins to drop, we find ourselves drawn to the warmth and comfort of our kitchens. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of slow-cooked comfort food wafting through the house, promising a feast that will warm both body and soul.

The beauty of autumn is not only in the changing leaves but also in the abundance of seasonal produce. Crisp apples, juicy pears, and plump pumpkins are just a few of the treasures that make their way into our autumn recipes. These fruits, along with an array of other seasonal ingredients, become the stars of our culinary creations.

Below are two of Caroline’s favourite autumnal recipes which celebrate the flavours of the season, exploring the versatility of seasonal produce, and offering tips and tricks to make the most of this incredible time of year in your kitchen. So, grab your apron, and get ready to fall in love with the delicious comfort food that autumn has to offer.

Bramble jelly

Ingredients

  • 450g ripe blackberries

  • 450g granulated sugar

  • Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

Method

  • Pre-heat the oven to 180°C

  • Wash the blackberries and place in a heavy-based pan with 170 ml water, stew them very gently with a lid on for about 20-25 minutes.

  • Now and then give them a good mash to reduce them to pulp and squeeze as much juice out of them as possible

  • After that, add the sugar and lemon juice to the pan and allow the sugar to dissolve completely, with the heat still low.

  • There must not be any whole granules of sugar left. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Now turn the heat right up and boil fairly rapidly for 8 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking.

  • Meanwhile warm a large bowl in the oven to get it nice and hot then place the sieve, lined with gauze, over the bowl and pour the blackberry mixture into the lined sieve.

  • Then, using a wooden spoon, get all the liquid through as quickly as possible, squeezing the remaining pulp as much as you can – but do be quick as the jelly sets if you take too long (if it does begin to set before you’ve had a chance to put it into the jar, just reheat it gently).

  • Pour the jelly into the sterilised jar.

Spiced apple and walnut chutney

kitchen supplier berkshire

Ingredients

  • 1.75 Litres Malt Vinegar with good splash of balsamic vinegar added

  • 900g soft light brown sugar

  • 1.75kg peeled  chopped Bramley apples

  • 900g chopped onions

  • 450g sultanas

  • 50g English mustard powder

  • 50g ground ginger

  • 4 tsp yellow mustard seeds

  • 4 tsp mild/medium curry powder

  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 50g salt

  • 225g walnut pieces

Method

  • Put the vinegar and sugar into a large preserving pan, bring to the boil, stirring twice to help dissolve the sugar.

  • Add everything else apart from the walnuts, bring back to the boil, then simmer for 2 ½ hours until the mixture is well reduced.

  • Stir regularly making sure the mixture doesn’t catch on the base of the pan. It should be quite thick, thickening more as it cools.

  • Sterilise your jars in an oven.

  • Stir the walnuts into the chutney.

  • Spoon into hot jars.

  • Cover with a waxed paper disc and seal with the lid.

When you step into our state-of-the-art kitchen showroom, located right here in Thatcham, Berkshire, you’ll be immersed in a world of design possibilities. Our showroom is a haven for those who appreciate the beauty of well-crafted kitchens, offering you a first- hand experience of the luxury and elegance.

Our commitment to excellence is exemplified by our partnership with Mereway Kitchens, a renowned name in the world of kitchen design and craftsmanship. Through this collaboration, we bring you the finest in bespoke kitchen solutions, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of what makes a kitchen truly exceptional.

When you step into our state-of-the-art kitchen showroom, located right here in Thatcham, Berkshire, you’ll be immersed in a world of design possibilities. Our showroom is a haven for those who appreciate the beauty of well-crafted kitchens, offering you a first- hand experience of the luxury and elegance.

To book your kitchen showroom appointment, email info@thatchamkitchendesigns.co.uk or call 01635 863853