Five easy ways to make great jam, marmalade and chutney for Christmas

STIR up homemade treats to see your family through winter.

DIY chutney, jam and marmalade will bring a dollop of happiness to even the dullest days.

Plus, they make fabulous gifts for Christmas and beyond.

I’m lifting the lid on easy pickling and preserving ­â€” a perfect way to save some pennies.

LITTLE PICKLES: Pickles and chutneys are the perfect partner for cheese and crackers, baked spuds or cold cuts of meat.

You can make a scrummy chutney from any vegetable and fruit surplus at home.

You will save cash by cutting food waste, and the results can be stored for months to come.

Apple or tomato chutneys are easy to make. Search online for ideas.

Spice lovers should try the Cheeky Chilli- Pepper Chutney at jamieoliver.com.

JARS OF JOY: Save jars throughout the year to build up a collection of shapes and sizes or to start from scratch.

You can buy 12 hexagonal 110ml glass jars from Hobbycraft for £3, down from £6.

To give gifts an extra wow, a classic half-litre Kilner jar is reduced from £3 to £2.50 at Wilko.

PICKLED PRESENTS: The recipe for Christmas Jam at bbcgoodfood.com is a tasty gift for food lovers, and Nigella Lawson’s Christmas Chutney at nigella.com also fits the bill.

Present them as part of a mini fill-your-own hamper, £3 from The Works, or use Wilko’s hamper basket which comes with wrapping and a bow, £6.

MUM-A-LADE: Get the kit now so you are ready to make marmalade when the short Seville orange season comes in January.

Cook like the pros with Penguin Home’s maslin pan from Robert Dyas, £29.99, or use a heavy-bottomed stock pot.

LABEL IT WITH LOVE: Proper labels will give your jars the professional touch.

The Ginger Ray jar topper kit, £4, and Ginger Ray gingham jar labels, £2.50, both from Hobbycraft, are the perfect way to finish off your home-made delights.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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