Instructions: Wash the aubergines and trim. Cut in walnut-sized pieces. Cover with water and the juice of 1 lemon and leave to soak for an hour. Boil until the pieces are just tender (about 10 minutes), remove and drain. Push an almond inside each of the aubergine pieces.

In a preserving pan, heat sugar and water and add the aubergine. Heat gently for 10 minutes. Leave in the syrup overnight. Next day, heat the syrup and add the rest of the ingredients, including the juice of the second lemon.

Simmer gently until setting point is reached. Test in the usual way and put in hot jars. Seal and allow to cool. Store in a cool place.

Santa Maria writes: "This preserve, which is particularly liked in Crete, is made with tiny aubergines. If you cannot obtain them, here is a recipe which uses aubergine cut in pieces. Otherwise, use the same weight of tiny aubergines."

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.