Meet the author

I recently made a tour to Taurus Crafts and was delighted to find that the internet company The Laundry - The Taurus crafts website explains "After 12 years of mail order and online trading, The Laundry has opened it's first shop in the Forest of Dean, selling 'Homewares, Jam & Pyjamas'. Proprietor, Gloria Nicol, is a designer, maker and gatherer of household textiles, eclectic vintage and domestic paraphernalia as well as being a specialist in eco housekeeping and jam making. The shop brings together all these elements to create a unique home emporium." Whilst mooching around I found this gorgeous book, and was amazed to find that the author was none other that the owner of The Laundry, Gloria Nicol, who was serving behind the counter.

Gloria is a very talented lady, who not only wrote a brilliant book, making some amazing preserves, cordials and curds, but also took all of the photographs.

Whilst chatting Gloria was very willing to impart her experience of jam making, and spoke about her 'new' discover - using a foodmill to prepare her fruit for jam making

There were some delightful variations of traditional jams and chutneys -definitely something for everyone

If you are ever in the area, drop in and check out the shop yourself, I'm sure Gloria would be thrilled to see you, and I would definitely recommend her book. There is also a blog, which keeps you up regular happenings in rural Gloucestershire