This crossword No. 11788 clues and answers were published on Tue 19 Feb 2008 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 11788 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Deserts : REWARD
4-across – Song : BALLAD
8-across – Transport : CARRY
9-across – Essential substance in food : VITAMIN
10-across – Decorative design : PATTERN
11-across – Ring thrown in game : QUOIT
12-across – Past instance serving as example : PRECEDENT
17-across – Heave : RETCH
19-across – Something new and unusual : NOVELTY
21-across – Fall to pieces – dessert : CRUMBLE
22-across – Continental quilt : DUVET
23-across – Covering for blade : SHEATH
24-across – Parisian landmark – slat : LOUVRE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Directions for preparing food, etc : RECIPE
2-down – Surface in kitchen for preparation, etc : WORKTOP
3-down – Have identical terminal sounds : RHYME
5-down – Old collectable item : ANTIQUE
6-down – West Indian dance – state of uncertainty : LIMBO
7-down – Give money to charity : DONATE
9-down – Retribution : VENGEANCE
13-down – Object on formal public display : EXHIBIT
14-down – Major city of Israel : TELAVIV
15-down – Flower that is source of saffron : CROCUS
16-down – Fragrant evergreen shrub : MYRTLE
18-down – Temporary cessation of hostilities : TRUCE
20-down – Relating to televised images : VIDEO
This crossword has in total 26 where 13 are across and 13 are down.