Food & Drink

Quince Jelly

Recipes from Suzanne James | www.suzannejames.co.uk

It’s Quince time again. Originating from eastern Turkey and Afghanistan, but now found all over Europe, as both an ornamental and orchard tree the fruit is inedible raw, and the most common use is to make quince jelly and quince cheese. It can also be stewed and used like stewed apple in pies. Quince is ripe in October and November in the UK (they still feel hard but smell sweet at the end opposite the stalk). Lots of people have Quince but don’t use them so it’s worth asking around (I am lucky to have access to free Quince for this very reason). Every year I make Quince Jelly to serve with Christmas cheeseboards or alongside pork or game dishes. It is high in pectin so it is easy to make and set, and provided you ladle the hot jelly into sterilised jars it will keep for up to a year in a dark, cool cupboard.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time 2 hours

Ingredients

(This quantity will make 2 x 350ml jars) • 1.5kg ripe quince, washed and cut into 1” chunks (no need to peel or core them) • 1 lemon zest peeled and cut into strips, and then juiced • Approx. 900g of preserving sugar

Method

1) Put the quince, lemon peel and juice into a large, deep saucepan. 2) Cover with water – just over 3 litres should do it. 3) Bring to the boil. 4) Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1½ hours until the quince is very soft. 5) Line a colander with a muslin cloth and put over a large saucepan or heatproof bowl. 6) Tip the quince into the lined colander, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to strain for 4-8 hours until all the juice has dripped out. 7) Discard the pulp (can go on the compost heap) and then measure out the strained juice and transfer into a large, deep saucepan, allowing room for the jelly to bubble up as it cooks. 8) Add 500g of sugar for every 600ml of juice. 9) Bring the mixture to the boil over a low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and skimming off any scum, then bring to a rapid boil so it bubbles. Once boiling start the ‘wrinkle test’ - drop a teaspoonful of the liquid onto a chilled plate and leave it for a few seconds. Then push the drop of jelly with your fingernail. If it wrinkles your quince jelly will set and can be transferred into the hot jars and sealed. 10) Remove from the heat and use a glass jug to pour the jelly into the hot sterilised jars and seal. To sterilise jam jars place them on a baking tray in an oven at 1400C whilst making the jam.

In Season This Month

Fruits, Nuts & Fungi - Apples, Cranberries, Pears, Quince, Wild Mushrooms Vegetables & Herbs - Artichoke, Beetroot, Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Salsify, Shallots, Swede, Truffles, Turnips, Watercress Meat & Game - Beef, Duck, Goose, Grouse, Guinea Fowl, Hare, Lamb, Mallard, Partridge, Pheasant, Rabbit, Turkey, Venison, Wood Pigeon Fish & Shellfish - Clams, Cod, Coley, Crab, Dab, Dover Sole, Gurnard, Haddock, Halibut, Hake, Lemon Sole, lobster, Mackerel, Monkfish, Mussels, Oysters, Plaice, Pollack, Red Mullet, Wild Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Skate, Squid, Turbot, Winkles

Getting out in Nature for our Health & Wellbeing

Fitness tips with Leanne Spencer | www.bodyshotperformance.com

I’d like to elaborate on a point that is often made about Blue Monday, the day in January when people report feeling their lowest. In the past, I shared with you my top three ways to boost mood and energy in winter. To recap they were: 1) move in nature, 2) make a future plan and 3) interact with an animal (our dog and cat). In this article I wanted to go back and further discuss the first thing on that list: Move in Nature.

Back To Basics

Getting out into nature isn’t a new idea – in fact, it’s just going back to what our ancestors would do all the time when life was much simpler. In the past, you may remember I talked about phytoncides (medicinal oils released by trees), that can have a really positive effect on both our mental wellbeing and immune health. Long before the invention of prescribed medication and processed foods, nature was the sole provider, and I think it is important to refer back to that concept every once in a while.

Experience Nature

Try and get out – even just for five or ten minutes – look at the leaves and experience the crispness of the earth under your feet. It may not seem like much is going on this time of year, but there most certainly is – particularly underground – you just have to feel around for it with your mind. Sure enough, as you tune into your awareness, you’ll begin to notice the little buds on the trees and be able to see things that are happening in nature. I think this can really instil a sense of hope and optimism during times that for some of us can really feel quite blue.

Get Into Going Out

There are two books I’d like to recommend that will inspire you to get out, and though quite different, both are lovely reads that illustrate the powerful effects of nature therapy:

Everyday Nature by Andy Beer

This book features a very short paragraph for every day of the year, which tells you about what’s thriving, growing, or starting to grow at that particular time. And the second book, I’d like to recommend is: Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari. You’ve most probably heard me talk about this one before as Johann Hari is one of my favourite authors! In the book, Hari argues that one of the reasons we are experiencing more feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression is that we’ve lost our connection with nature and the natural world. Just take a look at Scotland, there some GP surgeries issue “nature prescriptions” to help treat mental illness, diabetes, heart disease, stress and other conditions. So, I want to encourage you to get outside and ‘out of self’, to begin looking for things in nature, and learn to interact with something that’s much bigger than everything you know.

Sundays 6, 13, 20 & 27 November: Peckham Rye Junior parkrun

9am -9:30am. A free, weekly, timed run for 4–14-year-olds at to get fit, stay healthy and have fun! We run 2km every Sunday morning at 9am, through rain and shine. The course is visible, well-marshalled, and all held on the paths around the sports pitches. Register on:

www.parkrun.org.uk/peckhamrye-juniors/ Peckham Rye Park, Colyton Road, SE22 0NE.

Sundays 6, 13, 20 27 November: Horniman Market

10am–3pm. The weekly Horniman Market is open to provide food items including fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, cake, meat, and street food. Alongside food stalls, you’ll find body care, clothing, jewellery, design and craft; most are locally produced, ethical and many use environmentally friendly materials, natural and organic ingredients. Market stalls will be positioned outdoors at a safe distance from each other to ensure we can maintain a social distance for all customers and traders.

www.horniman.ac.uk.

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ.

Monday 7 November - Thursday 10 November: Cookery Demonstration:

Persiana Everyday by Sabrina Ghayour

7:30pm -8:30pm. Persiana Every day is a new collection of more than 100 fuss-free, crowdpleasing recipes for everyday eating. Sabrina will be demonstrating some recipes from this new book and will be chatting to Guardian journalist and author Felicity Cloake. This event will be followed by a book signing. The Great Hall at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU. Tickets:

www.mct.alleyns.org.uk

Wednesday 9 November: Goose Green Coffee Morning

- The Singing Geese

11am - 12:30pm. Do come and join us at Goose Green Coffee Morning for The Singing Geese, our wonderful community singing group led by Steve Barbe. All are welcome, even if you think you can’t sing! We will be open from 11 o’clock for tea or coffee and cake, with the singing starting at 11:30. St John’s Church, St John’s East Dulwich, 62A East Dulwich Road. If you would like to know more: goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com.

Thursday 10 November: The Lighthouse of Stalingrad: The Hidden Truth at the Centre of WWII’s Greatest Battle by Iain MacGregor

7.30pm – 8:30pm. An enthralling, insightful look into the most decisive battle of the Second World War, shedding new light on the heroic work of those who fought and died as we mark the 80th anniversary of the famous Soviet counterattack at Stalingrad – Operation Uranus, the turning point in the war. The Lower School at Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU. Tickets: www.mct.alleyns.org.uk

FAC OMNIA AD DEI GLORIAM

‘The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding’ Ofsted 2017

First Class & Top of the Class! *Sixth Form Open Days 2022

1.30pm – 6.30pm • Wednesday 9th November 1.30pm – 6.30pm • Wednesday 30th November

*By prior appointment only. Virtual tours will also take place during events above. For information on admission to our Sixth Form for 2023 and to receive a Sixth Form prospectus please visit our website or contact the school by email at:

sixthform@kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk

Come and Visit One of the Most Outstanding and Popular Schools in the Country!

Specialist 11-19 College in Mathematics & Performing Arts Headteacher Mr S H Morrison Alleyn Park, Dulwich, SE21 8SQ Tel: 020 8670 7575 Take advantage of the chance to visit Kingsdale Foundation School: An Ofsted rated exceptionally Outstanding School

We invite you to come to West Dulwich in South London to discover just how we get the best out of our students and harness top talent within an ethos characterised by warmth, culture and care.The amazing popularity of the school is a reflection of our renowned academic achievements, inspirational award-winning learning environment and the unusually rare opportunities we provide. Kingsdale is extremely proud of its special reputation and heritage in Music and Mathematics. We offer scholarships for new entrants to the school who show musical, mathematical, artistic or sporting talent. Scholars receive free individual or small group tuition provided by expert professionals, to the value of £1,000 per annum.There is equality of access for admission places irrespective of distance from the school or home locality. Kingsdale offers private tours of the school during normal working hours throughout the academic year. Tours are arranged for prospective parents at a time that best suits them!

www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk | info@kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk

Thursday 10 November: Sorolla, The Master of Light

8pm – 9pm. Sorolla believed painters could never reproduce sunlight as it really is, and he could only “approach the truth of it”. He captured the light of the Mediterranean beaches he loved and the energy of Spanish life like no other artist. In this lecture we will look at Sorolla’s life and art, from having been almost forgotten to his rediscovery in the last few years. Also available to members and non-members live on Zoom. Lecturer: Arantxa Sardin. James Allen’s Girls’ School Sixth Form Centre, Green Dale.

www.theartssocietydulwich.org.uk/programme/ lectures

Saturday 12, 19 & 26 November: Drawing from the Garden

10am -12:30pm. Join us for a drawing workshop - all material provided. Working with the weather conditions, we will either sit and draw out in the garden or bring the garden inside and work from still life and photos to depict our interpretations of the seasonal changes occurring in the Bell House gardens. All materials provided, including paper and drawing boards. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, London SE21 7BG, UK. Tickets

www.bellhouse.co.uk/events

Saturday 12 November – Sunday 13 November: Sale of Original Prints & Etchings.

11:00am – 4.00pm. A pre-Christmas sale of lino prints and etchings, some framed, some in mounts, others unmounted, work by local artist Judith Robertson. Half proceeds to go to Peckham Food Bank. 76 Crawthew Grove, London SE22 9AB, UK

Sunday 13 November: Autumn Winds – Seasons of Mists & Mellow Flutefulness

3.00pm -5.00pm. Join us for a live performance of flute and recorder at Bell House this Autumn. Tickets are £15 each. Discounted tickets for students, children and OAPs are £10. Tickets www.eventbrite.co.uk. Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG, UK.

Monday 14 November: Dulwich WI Monthly Meeting

7.30pm-9.30pm. We meet on the second Monday of each month at Vits+Kicks, 57 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE22. https://dulwichwi.com

Tuesday 15 November: Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting: Dulwich

5:30pm-8pm (registration from 5.30pm). The Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting is a new type of Business Growth Meeting (with some networking) that’s guaranteed to help your business grow... If you have any questions, just let us know! Join your fellow Dulwich business owners for our Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting at The Clock House (Blakes) 198a Peckham Rye, East Dulwich, SE22 9QA.

www.entrepreneurscircle.org

Thursday 17 November – Monday 2 January 2023: Lightopia 2022 - Feel the Magic of Christmas

The award-winning Lightopia Festival returns to Crystal Palace Park for 2022, bringing its incredible lightshow to London for the second year running and is promising to be bigger and brighter than ever this time.Crystal Palace Park, London, Thicket Road, London SE20, UK. Tickets :

www.london.lightopiafestival.com

For listings contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

Thursday 17 November: Talk on the history of Jazz (with music) - Dulwich & District u3a

2pm – 4pm. Introduction to the history of Jazz (with musical interludes). An intergenerational session from Pat Wright and her grandson Max, a professional jazz drummer.u3a members and non-members welcome. Tickets via:

www.u3asites.org.uk/dulwich/events

Saturday 19 November: The Illusioneer: Magic Mix

7.30pm-10pm. Puzzlements, Curiosities, Parlor, Street and Cabaret Magic from The Illusioneer team and guests in a fun and relaxed setting: A seated theatre style show back by popular demand. Bring your own liquid refreshments. We have the drinking vessels. Sorry no food allowed in the venue but there are a variety of eating places close by. Performers are from our resident team and guest artists, they will vary each show. All artists give their performances free and profits are donated to our special children's charity Breathe. Tickets via eventbrite. co.uk. Fison Fitness Centre 280 Milkwood Road, Herne Hill Railway Arches, Herne Hill, SE24 0EZ

Saturday 19 November: Smartphone Filmmaking

10am – 4pm. A one-day workshop, ‘Smartphone Filmmaking’ will introduce people to the fundamental concepts of filmmaking and provide them with the tools they need to be able to shoot their own films on their smartphone Places are £80 or £50 if you are in full-time education. Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk/events Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, SE21 7BG.

Sunday 20 November - Mid-century Modern®

10am – 4pm. 65 top mid-century dealers and 28 contemporary designers come together at this celebrated interior show. Expect an eclectic mix of collectables with all you need for your home and more including furniture, ceramics, glassware, industrial, metal smalls, vintage posters, art, Danish silver jewellery, lighting, fabrics, rugs and more. Make a day of it with Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Park and village all within walking distance. Tickets via: www.modernshows.com. Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, Dulwich SE21 7LD.

Sunday 20 November: Classic Orchestral Concert

7.30pm – 9:00pm. Join us in the lovely surroundings of St Stephen’s Church for this beautiful concert, given by the local professional musicians of the Tamino Orchestra. The programme includes tuneful works by Purcell and Boyce and Finzi’s evocative Romance. Douglas Reith (as seen in Downton Abbey) will introduce dances from Stravinsky’s ballet Apollon Musagète and a new work by local composer Nicholas AnsdellEvans, who conducts, with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Marshall. Tickets £15 on the door and online: www.ststephensdulwich.org/concerts. St Stephen’s Church, College Road SE21 7HW.

Monday 21 November: Change your mindset to lead a happier, healthier life -

online event

7pm – 8pm. It’s not what happens to us in life that really matters, it’s how we react to it. We can all learn from unwelcome challenges and, more often than not, become better as a result of them. By learning strategies to change our mindset we can build resilience, gratitude and humility. The session will include practical tools to utilise in your everyday life which can lead to lasting change. Tickets are £5. There are bursary places available. Email info@bellhouse.co.uk. Tickets: www.bellhouse.co.uk/events Bell House Dulwich, 21 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG.

Thursday 24 November: An Evening with Hugh Bonneville

7.30pm – 8.30pm. Village Books and The MCT at Alleyn’s are delighted to announce An Evening with Hugh Bonneville! Tickets can be purchased from https://mct.alleyns.org.uk. Alleyn’s School, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, SE22 8SU, UK.

Friday 25 November: Creative Arts Club for Older Adults (60+): a Burst of Colour

10am -12pm Hanging tissue Pom Poms can transform a space for any occasion. Simple, effective and fun to make, it always feels like a party when making these so come and join in! Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk. Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG.

Friday 25 November: Mark Evison Foundation Carol Concert @6pm

With the Dulwich College choir, celebrity readers Celia and Angus Imrie, Julian Ovenden, Iain Glen, and Lesley Sharp, and singers Kate Royal and Clare Presland (with help from Julian Ovenden). There will be a champagne reception afterwards in the Linley Room at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Tickets are £15 a head, under 16s free, book tickets at events@markevisonfoundation.org.

www.markevisonfoundation.org/events.

Christ’s Chapel, SE21 7AD

Friday 25 November: Granny’s Attic, Liam Cooper, Phil Stevens 7pm – 11pm

With exceptional musicianship and boundless energy, Granny’s Attic are going from strength to strength. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, anglo concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals) and Lewis Wood (violin, vocals) have honed their skills touring the UK and Europe since 2009. The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead, SE15 3BE Tickets at:

www.wegottickets.com/thegooseisout

Saturday 26 November: Love West Dulwich Christmas Fair

10am – 4pm Enjoy Santa’s grotto at Wigwam Toy Shop, the arts & crafts market, a kids Christmas trail, kids story time, face painting and much more! There will also be lots of offers and promotions at the West Dulwich shops and businesses. The fair takes place throughout West Dulwich on Croxted and Rosendale Roads, SE21. Wigwam, 109

Rosendale Road, SE21 8EZ. Dulwich Christmas Market

11am – 4pm. SoLo Craft Fair is delighted to be back in the heart of beautiful Dulwich for their Christmas market this year. Start your Christmas shopping by supporting small businesses and finding unique gifts. St. Barnabas Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, SE21 7BT. ww.solocraftfair.com

Saturday 26 November: Dulwich Choral Society

7.30pm – 9:30pm - The Dulwich Choral Society is very pleased to bring you a performance of J.S. Bach’s wonderful and exuberant Christmas Oratorio, originally written for the yuletide of 1734. So come along and start the Christmas season with us in style with the abiding beauty of Bach. St. John the Evangelist Church, 1 Sylvan Road SE19 2RX. Tickets in advance via ticket source and: http://www.dulwichchoral.com

Wednesday 30 November: Cooking with Scissors

6.45pm-8pm. An opportunity for local business professionals to meet, make new contacts and gain new business. www.cookingwithscissors.co.uk.