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Jam making help for first timer

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  • vangirl wrote: »
    I'm using a SS maslin pan. I tried the cold plate method on the first try and couldn't see any crinkling or whatever when I tested it and in the end just removed it when it started to smell of burning. I used a thermometer this time and it literally just started to stick as soon as it got over 100 degrees.

    If I added a sachet of petcin how soon could I remove it from the heat after it starts to boil?

    I have no idea as I always use the plate method. I'd make sure the heat was turned down to half and even if it takes longer, do it slower. Are you stirring it throughout?
    If you haven't got it - please don't flaunt it. TIA.
  • vangirl_2
    vangirl_2 Posts: 1,956 Forumite
    I have no idea as I always use the plate method. I'd make sure the heat was turned down to half and even if it takes longer, do it slower. Are you stirring it throughout?

    Not once the sugar has been dissolved. My recipe says not to stir it because this will reduce the heat.

    I simmered the plums gently with the water for about 15 mins then turned down the heat and added the sugar and stirred it until it was properly dissolved then brought it to the boil and left it on full wack not stirring for about 8-9 minutes until my thermometer read 104 degrees.

    I tried the plate in the freezer but when I put a blob of jam on it nothing seemed to happen.

    I'll try reducing the heat if that won't stop it from setting. Thanks
  • You have to stir jam - or it burns! I use a long wooden spatula so I can keep scraping the bottom.
    If you haven't got it - please don't flaunt it. TIA.
  • vangirl_2
    vangirl_2 Posts: 1,956 Forumite
    You have to stir jam - or it burns! I use a long wooden spatula so I can keep scraping the bottom.

    Problem solved then thanks very much. That's why I don't like recipe books, they always tell you the wrong thing.

    One more question, when you are doing the set test on the cold plate how much jam do you use and how long does it take to crack or whatever. My first batch must have reached setting point when I tested it but it still looked runny on the plate.
  • vangirl wrote: »
    Problem solved then thanks very much. That's why I don't like recipe books, they always tell you the wrong thing.

    One more question, when you are doing the set test on the cold plate how much jam do you use and how long does it take to crack or whatever. My first batch must have reached setting point when I tested it but it still looked runny on the plate.
    I put a teaspoon-full on, but smear it. Once it has had about 15 seconds, drag my finger through. It's ready when it drags the jam rather than goes straight through.
    If you haven't got it - please don't flaunt it. TIA.
  • kippers
    kippers Posts: 2,063 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I always stir my jam while it's boiling on a high heat or it burns
  • zippychick
    zippychick Posts: 9,339 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    ive merged this with our jam making first timer thread as its dropped down the board

    our plum jam thread may also help

    Zip :)
    A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men :cool:
    Norn Iron club member #380

  • p00
    p00 Posts: 824 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I made my first ever batch of jam this weekend and I am so pleased with it.

    this is what i did

    washed some damsons - around 800g
    chopped some apples, core and all - around 500g
    250ml water
    cooked the fruit for 15 mins or so.

    squashed it through a collander

    weighed the pulp and stirred in the same amount of sugar until well well mixed.

    heated until jam temp reached on thermometer stirring all the time then turned down until just bubbling.

    cooked for 15 mins then potted into quite warm jars from the oven

    absolutely perfect

    damsons and apples were foraged so it only cost the sugar and a bit of gas.

    xxp00
  • HI I think I might be being Stupid but I really want to start making Jam never done it before but after looking at E bay the jam jars seem really deer and I want to be able to freeze my jam wont they smash if I put the glass in the freezer? So could I please ask after making jam what is the best thing to put it it?
    February GC £261.97/24 NSDS 10/12
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  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,938 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
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