Ooo your jam/chutney sounds wonderful! No jars I'm afraid but any idea what I can do with the 60 or so figs I have on my tree? I'm not a big fig fan but thought I could make some sort of preserve and give it away.

Italian fig jam. Good with brioche or toast or with cheese and crusty bread. (according to Waitrose)

1.5kg Figs
750g Jam sugar (with pectin)

Look over the figs and discard any that look at all mouldy.

Cut off the stems and place them in a large saucepan.

Squash the figs with a potato masher or your hands, breaking them into a lumpy paste.

It may look as though there won’t be enough liquid, but don’t worry – there will be plenty.

Put the pan on a low heat and pour in the sugar; stir and let the sugar dissolve.

After a few minutes, turn up the heat and bring to a boil; cook for 6–9 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick.

Heat the jam to 105°C or until a blob of it sets on a chilled teaspoon –if it runs off, boil the jam for a little longer.

Remove from the heat and ladle into 4–5 sterilised 350ml jars. Leave a space at the top, put a wax disc over the jam while still hot and cover with the lid.

Once cooled, the jam will keep for up to 6 months, though do refrigerate it once opened.

On no account should anybody give Miss Cara any empty jam jars they have lying around! I want them!

Thanks for the recipe missisclack! If you find you have too many jars can you please pass some my way? In exchange for a couple of jars of Italian Fig Jam of course :)

I believe there will be a jam making demo at the Well Oiled Festival on 11th Sept in the park. I suppose I could donate some of my figs to that, and miss annie you are more than welcome to some as well. I've also been asked to do a knitting demo, and there will be a yarn stall and handweaving and spinning demonstrations, amongst other things.

Grease proof paper is a great idea. The only place I have seen the old fashioned waxed disc and clear cover with elastic band available is in John Lewis in town.

I think there could be a few candidates to join the Muswell Hill WI

http://www.hornseyjournal.co.uk/content/haringey/hornseyjournal/news/story.aspx?brand=HCEJOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshcej&itemid=WeED25%20Aug%202010%2016%3A05%3A36%3A073

You can definitely get waxed discs from Lakeland, as well as new lids for your recycled jars, if you need them.

Oh God. Have I really become an obvious recruit for the WI?

If I told them that I got kicked out of the Guides for smoking Rothmans and drinking Strongbow in the toilets, would they regect or embrace me?

I got kicked out of cubs for chucking an aerosol can on the camp fire. I still regret that to this day.

@nick_m - cubs was where I learned how to throw aerosol cans on fires

Misscara: Missiclack did not come for my jars, so you can have them if you like. I'll be at home in middle of day on Sunday. I'd love to try some fig jam!

Misscara: Okay.

also, @ Nick_M I will post my (apple) chutney recipe soon. It's spicey! Is that OK?

@missisclack - the spicier the better! Thanks a lot.

My tomatoes haven't even fruited yet, never mind ripened! I've had limited success with my lettuce and herbs but nothing else this year.

Misscara: Jars still available. When would you like to collect? (Daylight hours)

Missiclack/Misscara: Come Tuesday or Wednesday evening before 8pm. May be enough for you both.

Missiclack: Don't know if you still want jars, but scaffolding has just been put in front of my shed, so can't get jars until next week. Sorry. Let me know if you want to make another arrangement. I am removing my address from website soon, so note it if you want it.

Yes please, I am doing a jam/chutney afternoon course in Nov so may need some to ply my new skills. Swap you for boxes?

I have no car either! I am off Lancaster road though so near enough to do a swap on foot?