The Preserver's Year

Fishcake_Random

Okay, thanks for all that lovely info. I have noted it all down in my "experiment recipes" book lol for next time if this years go wrong. I've added a teaspoon of lemon juice per bottle, each bottle is just on the 1/2 litre line so hopefully that should be okay. They look so beautifull on the kitchen side while they settle!!!
Thank you for all the help
x x x

hermum

I'm a jam & chutney novice but have so far made about 10lbs of blackberry jam. Somehow I only have 1 jar left though, mention you've made jam & everybody needs some.
I have picked loads more & frozen them also lbs & lbs of apples, cookers & eating can I make jam & chutney with fruit that's been frozen please?
The recipe I used, this is to to make 3lbs

2-2 1/2lbs blackberries with a few that are still red
1 1/2lb sugar
2tbsp lemon juice, optional. I did use it.

Macerate alternate layers of berries & sugar in a bowl overnight,

The next day add lemon juice if using, bring to the boil, skim thoroughly, and cook until setting point is reached.
It is best to undercook this slightly, as it will stiffen on cooling.
Then jar.

Mine was fairly runny when I jarred? it but set really firm.

I've read that sloes should be picked like rosehips after the first frost but they are starting to wither now, so should I be furiously picking them now?

marmiterulesok

marmiterulesok wrote: »

What about plum chutney?

I haven't actually made it myself,but have a recipe if you're interested.It sounds good.

450g cooking apples,peeled and cored
450g onions or shallots
1kg stoned plums
175g brown sugar
450g seedless raisins
1tsp ground ginger
1tsp ground allspice
1/4tsp ground cloves,grated nutmeg,cayenne pepper and dry mustard
25g salt
600ml vinegar

Chop apples and shallots/onions,mix them in a large saucepan and add the plums.Stir in all the remaining ingredients,heat the chutney until it is boiling,then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened.Makes about 2kgs.

The recipe is from the HMSO 'Home Preservation of Fruit and Vegetables'.

Just to add that I have now made this.It's really nice!

Gigervamp

Yes, you can make jam with frozen fruit. I've not tried it with chutneys though.
Over the summer, I've picked loads of gooseberries, red and blackcurrants, raspberries, tayberries and now I'm picking blackberries and apples. All have been frozen so that I can make the jams at my leisure.

katholicos

I'm currently making red onion chutney, it will be ready for putting in my jars in the next 40 mins. Haven't made it before but thought i would try this recipe.

marmiterulesok

katholicos wrote: »

I'm currently making red onion chutney, it will be ready for putting in my jars in the next 40 mins. Haven't made it before but thought i would try this recipe.

That looks really good,I might make some next week.:D

hermum

katholicos wrote: »

I'm currently making red onion chutney, it will be ready for putting in my jars in the next 40 mins. Haven't made it before but thought i would try this recipe.

That sounds delicious & very easy, it's just crying out for a bacon & brie baguette or doorstep.
I think that I'll try that this week as well.

Irisheyes648

Me and hubby have been out picking and have got, apples, sloes, plums and figs.......does anyone have a good recipe for figs please (jam,chutney) , have made some spiced plum chutney courtesy of Delia x

ampersand

I have just potted my pepper jelly but am frustrated by cellophane covers[when I have no lids]which just shred as I'm putting the rubber band on. Think I read on this or another Thread about someone else's problems with cellophane - hasn't happened before. Have used doubled clingfilm instead, drawn tightly across - should this be a problem?
All advice appreciated.

Irisheyes648

ampersand wrote: »

I have just potted my pepper jelly but am frustrated by cellophane covers[when I have no lids]which just shred as I'm putting the rubber band on. Think I read on this or another Thread about someone else's problems with cellophane - hasn't happened before. Have used doubled clingfilm instead, drawn tightly across - should this be a problem?
All advice appreciated.

This shouldn't be a problem with jam, as long have you have some wax discs, (or greasproof paper brushed with a little alcohol) the cellophane is only there to prevent dust really. HTH