Bar-de-Luc

  • Makes approx. 1.2kg
  • 25 minutes plus 24 hours macerating time
Not yet rated

This redcurrant conserve originated from Bar-le-Duc in the Lorraine region of France. In the authentic recipe, the seeds of the currants are removed, but it is just as delicious if this time-consuming task is not done. Serve it on thin toast or, as they do in France, with madeleine cakes or as the dessert known as Duchesse-le-Duc. This is scoops of vanilla ice cream, surrounded by a skirt of Bar-le-Duc, served with sweetened whipped cream and decorated with sugared violets.

This recipe is taken from The Art of Preserving by Emma Macdonald (£14.99, Nourish).

First published in 2021

Ingredients

Metric

Imperial

  • 500g of redcurrants, stripped from their stalks
  • 750g of granulated sugar

Method

1

If you have the time, prick each redcurrant with a needle. This isn’t essential but does help the currants remain plump during cooking

  • 500g of redcurrants, stripped from their stalks
2

Place the redcurrants in a bowl with the sugar and stir together. Cover and leave to macerate at room temperature for 24 hours

  • 750g of granulated sugar
3

The next day, put the mixture in a saucepan, slowly bring to the boil and cook for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool for 30 minutes until a skin starts to form

4

Meanwhile, sterilise 1 large jar or several smaller jars

5

Gently stir the mixture to evenly distribute the redcurrants and then ladle the conserve into the warmed, sterilised jars. Cover immediately with a waxed disc and a dampened cellophane round or lid. Label and store in a cool, dry, dark place. Eat within 3 months and refrigerate after opening

First published in 2021

Emma Macdonald, a trained chef, founded The Bay Tree from her mother’s kitchen table.

Get in touch

Please sign in or register to send a comment to Great British Chefs.