Cherry Jam Hattan Food

OVER-THE-TOP CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• In a food processor, cover and process cherries in batches until finely chopped. Transfer to a Dutch oven; stir in pectin and butter. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil and stir 1 minute. , Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle hot mixture into 6 hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight., Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

EASY CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Put two saucers in the freezer for testing the jam later on. Tip the cherries, sugar and lemon juice into a large, heavy-based saucepan and simmer uncovered over a medium-high heat for 35-50 mins, stirring frequently until thick and glossy.
• After 35 mins, spoon a little of the jam onto one of the chilled saucers. Leave for 1 min, press a fingertip into the jam. If it starts the wrinkle, it's ready. If it slides away, continue to boil the jam for 10 mins, then test again on the other saucer.
• Spoon the jam into sterilised jars and seal. Will keep for six months unopened (when stored in a dark, cool place), or opened in the fridge for three months.

CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Wash and pit all the cherries and cut three quarters of them in half, leaving the other quarter whole.
• Put in a preserving pan (or large deep pan) along with the lemon juice and set over a low heat.
• Use a potato masher to lightly crush the cherries and simmer gently until cooked (about 7 minutes).
• Add the sugar and heat through on very low until all the sugar has dissolved (running a wooden spoon around the pan will help you know as the sugar will scratch if still solid).
• Bring to a rolling boil and time for 10 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and drizzle a few drops of jam onto a chilled saucer.
• Place saucer into fridge for a minute and then run your finger through the jam, it's ready if it forms a crinkle and is tacky.
• If not quite ready boil for another couple of minutes at a time and re-test.
• Once ready ladle into hot jars and place lids on immediately.
• Allow to cool, then store in a cool dark place (will keep for years but best eaten in first year). Store in fridge once open.
• Makes 1.5 standard jars (600 mls).