Well 7 days ago i started 6 (US) galls of IPA beer and all week it has been going like a Quatermass experiment !!! now i'll leave it for a week and then barrel it , leave it a couple of more weeks and it should be ready to drink !

I'm posting this as i think this is a great recipe : I found it on www.recipezaar.com

As soon as i have grown the swedes i'll make it too ! the recipe makes 4 1lb jars

The Almost Original Branston Pickle Recipe!
Recipe #246675
One of the best-known British commercialised pickles or relishes, is that of Branston Pickle, a spiced vegetable mixture - and a staple for all cheese sarnies (sandwiches) and ploughman's lunches! There are many generic brands on the market now, but this is the closest set of ingredients and the most authentic taste, compared with the Original Branston Pickle recipe! Branston Pickle is wonderful when added to curries and stews, and you MUST try it with toasted cheese or Welsh rarebit - delicious!

2½ hours 30 min prep
9 ounces carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks
1 medium swede, peeled and cut into small chunks
4-5 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
5 ounces dates, finely chopped
1 small cauliflower, finely chopped
2 onions, peeled and finely chopped
2 medium apples, finely chopped, unpeeled
2 medium finely chopped courgettes, unpeeled
15-20 small cornichons or gherkins, finely chopped
10 ounces dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 pint malt vinegar
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring them to the boil.
2. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the swede is cooked, but still remains firm, about 2 hours.
3. Stir well to redistribute all of the vegetables.
4. Bottle and seal in sterile and hot jars.
5. Allow the pickle to age for a few weeks before using, this improves the taste and it will become more "mellow".
6. Serve with cheese, ploughman's lunches, in sandwiches, with cold cuts and meats. This pickle is also wonderful when added to curries and stews.