This recipe is good for using up the surplus runner beans. Now is a good time to empty the freezer to prepare for the new season’s crop.

Ingredients:

• 1.5lb runner beans
• 1pint malt vinegar
• 1.5lb granulated sugar
• 1 level teaspoon ground allspice
• pepper

Method:

• slice beans
• cook in salted water for 8 mins
• put vinegar, sugar, spice & pepper in pan over low heat & stir till sugar dissolves
• bring to the boil
• drain beans & add them to spiced vinegar & simmer for 5 mins
• put the beans into clean jars & pour over the vinegar
• cover with vinegar proof lids
• store in cold, dark place for 2 weeks to mature before eating