Making Jam

MIRRY_2 · 3 August 2006 at 6:17PM

My breadmaker says I can make Jam in it, it says I should use preserving Sugar...Ive never seen this in the shops before ?
can I use ordinary sugar ?

Also how do I go about sterilising the jars ?
and do I need those round papers ?

The cheapest Ideas or methods possible please

Nicki · 3 August 2006 at 6:24PM

Never made jam in BM but if you're doing it the old fashioned way:

1. yes can use ordinary sugar but will probably also need juice of one lemon (for the pectin) to make the jam set

2. either wash the jars in dishwasher, or pop them in the oven on lowest setting for about 10 mins. Fill while still warm.

3. I use bits cut out from the inside of cereal packets, others have posted about getting the wax discs from Pound shops 100 for £1. Depends how much cereal you eat, I suppose!

newleaf · 3 August 2006 at 6:26PM

I've never made jam in my breadmaker, but I do make it in a big jam pan. You'll only be able to make small quantities in a breadmaker. I'd follow their instructions. Preserving sugar has pectin added. Some fruits are low in pectin and need extra to help them set (Strawberries for example). For fruits like Raspberries and Blackurrants no extra pectin (or lemon juice) is needed. To sterilise your jars, wash in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly,(or run through dishwasher on hottest cycle if you have one), then stand them on a tray in a warm oven for half an hour. Always put your hot jam into warmed jars or they'll shatter. I don't use the paper circles, I just re-use the original screw cap if it's in good condition. Sterilise along with the jars. Hope this helps, please ask if anything I've missed.