PHOTO - sloe picking time

Again, do you guys have Sloes the fruit of the Black Thorn tree over there?
In this area very common trees, and a heavy crop this year. The fruit is bitter tasting, and people make Sloe Gin.
Prick ends of Sloes with sharp knife, add sugar for sweetness and add to cheap brand of Gin. Let it ferment for at least a year. Then decant the liquor which is tasty but very potent brew.
People throw away the sloes - DONT. Cut them into quarters and destone. Cut up some unsalted nuts like hazel or walnut into similar sized peices to the sloes and mix them into melted dark cooking chocolate. Pour into shallow tray and allow to cool in fridge.
Cut into small squares and ENJOY, alcoholic chocolate which you wont want to share with even your best friends ! If you find that sloe gin is too bitter, an alternative is to use damsons instead which is a much sweeter drink.
David