Jam making help for first timer

billieboy_2

Valli wrote: »

That's a good idea - when I make bramble jelly it looks - in my white kitchen - as though a MURDER has been committed!
The jelly is so fab though it's worth it!

So the blackberries are ripe then? Mmmmm.....looks like it's time for a country walk!;)

Not ripe up here in the Midlands. But I've been keeping an eye out for good spots where there are loads of them. Will be walking the dog more often!

Blackcurrant jam was a bit disappointing in that it only made two and a bit jars out of 600g blackcurrants. They cost £3.60 after reduction, so not very MS but should be good. Still waiting for neighbour's plums to ripen!

parsonswife8

Valli wrote: »

That's a good idea - when I make bramble jelly it looks - in my white kitchen - as though a MURDER has been committed!
The jelly is so fab though it's worth it!

So the blackberries are ripe then? Mmmmm.....looks like it's time for a country walk!;)

_____________________________________________

We are in the South East, so ours are ripe as it has been hot apart from today.
He's picked 6lbs of nice ripe, plump, blackberries so far. and there are plenty more, as we have a big open common and woods out the back and lots of lanes with brambles.
I have just bottled my jam.
and he's tidying up the bombsite outside.
:rotfl: :rotfl:

Valli

billieboy wrote: »

Not ripe up here in the Midlands. But I've been keeping an eye out for good spots where there are loads of them. Will be walking the dog more often!

Blackcurrant jam was a bit disappointing in that it only made two and a bit jars out of 600g blackcurrants. They cost £3.60 after reduction, so not very MS but should be good. Still waiting for neighbour's plums to ripen!

Well I'm a bit further up north than you - so it looks like I'll have to wait, too.

billieboy_2

parsonswife8 wrote: »

Hello everyone!

Seeing as it is overcast and a bit grim and chilly out, I am making my blackberry jam this afternoon

BTW we had a lovely hot sunny day here in the Midlands ner ner ne ner ner:p .
Edit: and it's hot and sunny today but off to East London later so won't get the benefit today.

Valli

Anybody seen any sloes yet?

Does anybody make jam from them? - I suspect you COULD but wonder if it's worth it as the fruits are so small compared to the size of the stones.

Might 'do' some sloe gin though!

foreign_correspondent

I have just spotted some lovely red rosehips near me - time for rosehip jelly or syrup soon I think - last year I made rosehip and crab apple, and it was lovely (rosehips from the park, crab abble from back garden, so almost free, apart from the sugar!)
Apparently rosehips are being researched for anti inflammatory qualities which may be helpful in conditions such as arthritis, which is interesting - also very rich in vit c!

Valli

Any chance of a recipe?

Or can you direct me to one, please.

foreign_correspondent

Valli wrote: »

Any chance of a recipe?

Or can you direct me to one, please.

I will try and dig it out - hang on, I think it was a hugh FW one I used....

aha, it was this one!!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2006/oct/21/recipes.foodanddrink

I am also going to make the syrup this year:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2006/oct/21/recipes.dessert

hope that helps,

fc x

foreign_correspondent

Valli wrote: »

Anybody seen any sloes yet?

Does anybody make jam from them? - I suspect you COULD but wonder if it's worth it as the fruits are so small compared to the size of the stones.

Might 'do' some sloe gin though!

there is a recipe for Sloe Jelly here - not tried it though

http://www.overthegardengate.net/garden/herbs/reci_hedge.asp

Icemaiden

Valli wrote: »

Anybody seen any sloes yet?

Does anybody make jam from them? - I suspect you COULD but wonder if it's worth it as the fruits are so small compared to the size of the stones.

Might 'do' some sloe gin though!

2.5kg sloe's
2kg sugar
500gm golden deli apples

Put the sloes in the freezer until very well frozen to reduce the harsh flavour some sloes have. Put the sloes in a bowl of hot water and leave over night. Wash and grate the apples into a pan, add the sloes and cook until soft, add the sugar and cook until reduced by about 1/4, taste for sweetness:D pass through a sieve using a wooden spoon (this will remove the stones) Jar up and seal.

Enjoy

Ice
x