Making sloe gin is slow but not laborious. There's no cooking required, just patience as the sloes steep in the gin. Sloes are too bitter and sour to eat raw, but taste superb when preserved.
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A beginner's guide to sloe gin
Sloe gin & fruit sponge puddings Steamed fruit sponges ... Pan-fried venison with sloe gin & plum sauce Not just a one-trick ...