I have never made jelly before. Well, not the type you bottle and keep that is. I have a jelly bag, purchased some time ago and then lost in the loft! But the decluttering for the move found it, and our red currant bushes have gone into overdrive this year so we attempted our first ever batch of red currant jelly a la River Cottage.
For 2 (yes TWO!!) small jars you need:
800g redcurrants
400ml water
Pick over the redcurrants and wash them. Place in a pan with the water and slowly bring to the boil. Simmer for about 45 mins till the juices have run out and then strain through a jelly bag for about 3-4 hours. Reboil the currants with another 400ml water and repeat the straining.
For every 600ml juice, add 450g preserving sugar. Place the strained juice in a preserving pan and bring to the boil. Add the sugar, stirring to dissolve. Once it's all dissolved boil RAPIDLY for about 8 mins and then pour into sterilised jars. Weep that you only managed to get 2 and a bit jars worth of jelly from all that effort...
Showing posts with label jam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jam. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Strawberry Jam
Memories of summer this one. And a reminder that the last jar of homegrown, homemade jam needs to be eaten. I don't think anything can replace the deep joy of eating a jar of runny (it has to be french style and runny imho) homemade strawberry jam made with homegrown strawberries. A true memory of the summer.
For about 4 1/2 jars you need:
1 kg jam sugar
juice 1 lemon
2 kg strawberries
Begin by mascerating the strawberries in the juice and sugar. Place everything in a preserving pan and leave, overnight, for the juices to flow. The next day heat very gently till all the sugar has dissolved. Once this has happened bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 mins. Test for the set (I keep saucers in the freezer and bring one our for each test. Turn off the heat and place a small amount of jam on the cold saucer. Leave for 30 seconds and then run the back of a spoon through it. If a skin forms and there's a clear trail it's ready to jar. If not, boil again for another few mins and keep testing for the set). Pour into sterilised jars and leave to cool. Try not to eat all the jars on the same day! Truly lovely with homemade scones and clotted cream. Even when it's freezing outside and pouring with rain, this is a little bit of summer on a plate :)
For about 4 1/2 jars you need:
1 kg jam sugar
juice 1 lemon
2 kg strawberries
Begin by mascerating the strawberries in the juice and sugar. Place everything in a preserving pan and leave, overnight, for the juices to flow. The next day heat very gently till all the sugar has dissolved. Once this has happened bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 mins. Test for the set (I keep saucers in the freezer and bring one our for each test. Turn off the heat and place a small amount of jam on the cold saucer. Leave for 30 seconds and then run the back of a spoon through it. If a skin forms and there's a clear trail it's ready to jar. If not, boil again for another few mins and keep testing for the set). Pour into sterilised jars and leave to cool. Try not to eat all the jars on the same day! Truly lovely with homemade scones and clotted cream. Even when it's freezing outside and pouring with rain, this is a little bit of summer on a plate :)
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