Alices Christmas Jam Food

CHRISTMAS JAM

Steps:

• Grind strawberries and cranberries in a food processor or grinder; place in a Dutch oven. Add sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil; boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in pectin and return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. , Cool for 5 minutes; skim off foam. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

ALICE'S RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar. Let stand until the berries start rendering their juice, about 15 minutes.
• Place a small plate in the freezer to use later to test the consistency of the jam. Prepare two 1-pint canning jars and self-sealing lids in boiling water, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Bring the saucepan of berries to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. The mixture will bubble up, rising high up the sides of the saucepan. Skim off any light-colored foam as it collects on the edges. Soon the jam will boil down again, forming smaller, thicker bubbles. At this point, start testing the consistency by putting small spoonfuls of the jam on the cold plate. This will cool off the jam sample quickly so you can tell what the finished texture will be like. When the jam has cooked to the thickness you want, stir in lemon juice. Turn off the heat, and carefully ladle the jam into the prepared canning jars, allowing at least 1/4 inch of headroom. Clean the lip of the jars with a clean, damp towel, and seal with the lids, following manufacturer's instructions. The jam will keep for about 1 year.

ALICE'S DRAGON FRUIT & LYCHEE JAM

Steps:

• Chop fruit finely or pulse in a food processor. Add to a large saucepan with the jam sugar.
• Cook over a low heat stirring until sugar has dissolved. Add the knob of butter, increase heat and bring to a full boil (a boil that cannot be stopped when stirred).
• Boil rapidly for 4 minutes only, carefully skimming off any foam from surface during cooking.
• Remove from heat, then test a small amount on a cold plate for set, (the surface of the jam should wrinkle when a spoon is pushed through it). If not set, return to the boil for a further 2 minutes and test again.
• Spoon into hot, sterilised, glass jars and seal. Makes 4 medium jars.