The art of preserving needn't be a pass time for people with too much time on their hands. Even the busiest of people find a way to get into the kitchen to create some beautiful long-lasting treats that in turn can make their lives easier, and tastier!

Friend of Tessuti, stylist and photographer Greta van der Star has an enormous array of creative projects on her plate, but is a passionate advocate of giving some time to enjoy the little things in life. When invited to her place for a beautiful home-cooked meal, our taste buds marveled over this subtle hint of lemon included in her dish... we had to ask some questions!

In awe of her easy-to-prepare preserved lemons, we got Greta to talk us through her gorgeously simple recipe. 

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You will need:

Quilted Glass Preserving Jars

Lemons

Sea salt

Bay leaves

Sterilize your Quilted Glass Preserving Jars by washing them in hot soapy water, then place in oven heated to 130 degrees celsius for 15 minutes.

Place a tablespoon of salt in the bottom of the sterilized jar. Cut the lemons into quarters, but not cutting all the way through, so the quarters remain attached at the base. Stuff the lemons with salt, then pack them tightly into the jar with a bay leaf. Top up jar with freshly squeezed lemon juice. They will be ready in one month, and last up to two years. Once opened use within 6 months.

Preserved lemons are best used washed and finely sliced, the skin is also edible. You can enjoy them in salads, salad dressings, baked fish, pasta, or slow cooked dishes. One of my favourite recipes is from Petite Kitchen - Braised Basil Lentils.

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With their quilted crystal design adding a decorative touch to these multi-purpose jars, our Quilted Glass Jars, from $6 each, are ideal for preserving recipes such as jams, mustards and chutneys. They can also be used for cocktails, tea lights and fresh flowers!

Give the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas. Either make your own batch to give away for friends and family to enjoy, or gift the jars to someone you know who will appreciate the process, and most importantly the taste!

Enjoy!

Images by Greta van der Star.