Quick and Easy Preserves

The traditional methods of preserving food for long-term storage are often very time-consuming, but there are many ways of preparing items for the store-cupboard that can take only minutes. Home-made fruit liqueurs, elegant-flavoured vinegars, basil leaves preserved in oil to bring a taste of summer to the winter months: not only are preserves ideal for filling the store-cupboard at all times of the year, but they make excellent gifts as well.