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Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

Mary Berry's Christmas chutney is warmly spiced, deeply fruity, and completely wonderful with cheese and cold meats.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4 450g jars
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: British
Calories: 42
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Bramley apples peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
  • 300 g onions finely chopped
  • 200 g dried cranberries
  • 200 g sultanas
  • 150 g dried apricots roughly chopped
  • 100 g dried figs roughly chopped
  • Zest and juice of 2 unwaxed oranges
  • Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
  • 350 g soft dark brown sugar
  • 300 ml red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp mixed spice
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Method
 

  1. Sterilise jars in a 140°C oven for 15 minutes.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large preserving pan. Stir well.
  3. Heat gently, stirring, until sugar completely dissolves — about 10–12 minutes. Do not boil before sugar has dissolved.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered on low-medium heat for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring regularly and more frequently towards the end, until thick and glossy. A spoon drawn across the base should leave a channel that holds briefly.
  5. Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Cool 5 minutes.
  6. Ladle into hot sterilised jars. Fill to within 1cm of top. Seal immediately with vinegar-proof lids. Label with contents and date. Leave at least 4 weeks before opening.

Notes

Use Bramley apples for a smooth, cohesive chutney body.
Use dark brown sugar for the best colour and depth of flavour.
Do not rush the simmer — the long cooking time develops the flavour.
Add cinnamon stick whole and remove before potting for a rounded spice flavour.
Use vinegar-proof lids or place baking parchment between jar and lid.
Make in October or November for the best flavour by Christmas.
Store unopened for up to 1 year. Refrigerate once opened and use within 6–8 weeks.
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