On our Devon smallholding, 35 years ago, I relied on Women’s Institute booklets for instructions and recipes on making jam and chutneys and preserves.  These have now become treasured, but almost redundant, relics as I surf the Internet for instant recipes to deal with the glut of tomatoes, plums, windfall apples and runner beans. Within seconds I have hundreds of recipes and clear photographs as well as reviews and tips from other surfers.  I cook with my ipad open on the counter next to my stainless steel preserving pan.  That piece of vital kitchen equipment remains unchanged …. for now.