Jam making help for first timer

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Hi earthmother,

I read a post on Old Style that introduced me to making jellies last year (thank you thriftady). I didn't have a jelly bag but used some (unworn) stockings and a coat hanger and got the most amazing jellies from doing it. Very quick and easy, well worth the trouble and no seeds or bits.

Thriftlady's post that gives step by step instructions is here.

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earthmother

Thanks for posting everyone

Well, I now have 4 jars of strawberry jam cooling - actually was easier than it appeared, and going by the bits I licked off my finger from the wrinkle tests, it tastes fine too.

I quickly realised I need a larger pan - my largest still wasn't big enough, so I had to split it between two pans part way through (well, the hob needed cleaning anyway)

Think I'll also invest in a jam funnel next chance I get - I lost a bit over the sides as my jars all have quite narrow necks.


Can definitely see myself doing lots of this though

noonesperfect

I made plum and apple jam today!

Just 5lbs - hope it's nice

Swapped some of the sugar for golden syrup as I only had a 1kg bag.

earthmother

Just a query - I took the jam to setting point (checked both with thermometer and wrinkle test), but so far it's still not setting 5 hours after it was sealed in the jars.

Is there something else I should have done, or is this normal - how long does it take a jar of jam to set (it is still warm to the touch too by the way)

?

earthmother

noonesperfect - plums are my next project - I seem to have a surfeit.

The apple tree is late this year - last year I must have had 30lbs plus windfall off of it, but it doesn't look so happy this time. I have an apple and cinnamon jam recipe I got here last year that looks lovely, so even if all I get is enough for that and a couple of pies I'll be happy

noonesperfect

I'm not a seasoned jam maker so I'm not sure, but mine's the same.

However I've got a small quantity in a cup in the fridge and that has set OK.

I'm gonna have to have toast and jam for brekkie!!

We haven't got nearly so many plums this year as last. Our neighbours gave us loads of cooking apples last year but we've since fallen out so I don't think there'll be any forthcoming.......

DawnW

you can't really tell till it is cold. If the worst happens and it is still not set when completely cold, tip it back in the pan and boil it up again, being careful not to burn it. Then retest, and you should find it sets ok second time round. Some jams set harder than others however, for example raspberry and strawberry set 'soft' compared to others like gooseberry and plum. As long as it does not run off of your toast you are ok!

ok_go

For everyone with a glut of plums try this ... made it this afternoon is fab

http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1623,149171-233195,00.html

regards

go

earthmother

Thanks Dawn - I'll keep the reboiling in mind. I stuck a jar in the fridge when I posted, and just had a look and it is slowly setting - tasted nice too (couldn't resist ).

I can live with is if it doesn't set more - it's spreadable, although a spoon will be easier than a knife - but I was hoping to use some in Christmas hampers, so would like it a bit firmer for that.

It is very sweet though - I used the recipe on the sugar bag - a kilo of fruit to a kilo of sugar, with the juice of a lemon - are there any recipes out there with a lower proportion of sugar?

buxtonrabbitgreen

I made damson jam yesterday and was astonished by the amount of sugar. But it did make a lot of jam and it is lovely. With the jam jars and not getting it spilt over the side, I scoop the jam out of the pan with a measuring jug then I can pour it in quite easily. With regards to wax discs, I don't bother, just use any old jars and keep them in the fridge. I made cherry jam last month and that was lovely as well. I have never made successful jam before this year, as I think I always let it boil too long so it set so hard it wouldn't come out of the jars.