RASPBERRY JAM
Mum used to make this jam at least weekly. We used to love testing it for her from her saucer and/or from the pot. She seldom used frozen raspberries but acknowledged that they work just as well. It is best to bring them to room temperature, but can be made from the frozen packet since they are going to heated anyway.
Mum always used to use the same amount of sugar as the raspberries. I prefer to use 25g less sugar than the raspberries. There is no need to use any water since the raspberries have enough liquid, but occasionally, I use a dash of hot water to help thaw the raspberries, if I am making the jam in a hurry. You could also defrost them in a microwave.
*When bringing the raspberries to the boil, make sure the jam is bubbling sufficiently before turning down to low. You will see the jam froth start to change colour, so continue to boil until the jam starts to rise in the pot. Mum used to say that you do not want too much jam ''scum'' on the top of the jam but you do need to make sure it has completely boiled. Never look away from jam on the stove.
INGREDIENTS
500G Frozen/fresh Raspberries
500g sugar.
METHOD
1. Place frozen Raspberries into a large pot and bring to the boil.
2. Gradually add sugar and stir continuously with wooden spoon.
3. Bring to the boil*
4. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Then turn off heat.
5. Place a small amount on a saucer and place in the freezer for 3-5 minutes depending on the consistency you want to have. Minimum freezing time is 3 minutes. I recommend 4 minutes.
6. Whilst waiting for the small amount of jam to freeze, give your pot of jam which is now off the stove a stir. You do not want a thin layer of skin as it sets to go into your jars. One or two stirs whilst waiting for the trial jam to set avoids this problem.
6. Whilst waiting for the small amount of jam to freeze, give your pot of jam which is now off the stove a stir. You do not want a thin layer of skin as it sets to go into your jars. One or two stirs whilst waiting for the trial jam to set avoids this problem.
6. If set to your chosen consistency, then place in prepared jars. Be careful as you are getting the jam out of the pot with the spatula that you do not get any scum parts into the jar. You want to get the most out of your pot. Be careful as you pour not to allow the jam to splash as hot jam can burn. Also you do not want any unattractive parts of the jam to go into your jar. Sometimes, just another stir can make all the difference as you do want to get the most from your ingredients and time.
7..Leave the jam on bench to cool.
8. When thickened and there is no movement, put lids on and put in the fridge.
* Bring to boil: this takes a little while so be patient. You want it to come to the boil with just enough of the change of colour to occur. It definitely needs to be boiling all the way around the pot. If you turn it off on the first sign of boiling, then the sugar may not be completely integrated. Wait until it is boiling around the whole pot but not too much jam scum ( the change of colour).
Some advice on washing up your dishes.
1. As soon as you have your jam in the jars, put your pot into hot soapy water (ideally) or at least fill the pot with cold water and let it soak for 15 minutes before putting into the dishwasher.
2. Also make sure you wash with water the saucer on which you had your trial jam.
7..Leave the jam on bench to cool.
8. When thickened and there is no movement, put lids on and put in the fridge.
* Bring to boil: this takes a little while so be patient. You want it to come to the boil with just enough of the change of colour to occur. It definitely needs to be boiling all the way around the pot. If you turn it off on the first sign of boiling, then the sugar may not be completely integrated. Wait until it is boiling around the whole pot but not too much jam scum ( the change of colour).
Some advice on washing up your dishes.
1. As soon as you have your jam in the jars, put your pot into hot soapy water (ideally) or at least fill the pot with cold water and let it soak for 15 minutes before putting into the dishwasher.
2. Also make sure you wash with water the saucer on which you had your trial jam.
NB: Mum did not have a dishwasher, so washing the jam pot and saucer was a priority immediately after the jam went into the jars.
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