Hughs Prizewinning Raspberry Fridge Jam Food

RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Toss the raspberries, sugar and lemon zest and juice in a medium saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the berry juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the raspberries to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 25 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or spoon through it. If the jam holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, covered tightly. Jam will keep in the refrigerator up to 6 months.

HUGH'S PRIZEWINNING RASPBERRY FRIDGE JAM

Steps:

• Start by picking over the raspberries very carefully and discarding any leaves or stems. Put half of the fruit into a preserving pan and use a potato masher to coarsely crush it. Add the remaining fruit and sugar (the mixture will look mouthwateringly good).
• Stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a rolling boil, then boil for exactly 5 minutes. (If you prefer a firmer jam, continue boiling at this stage for a further 2 to 3 minutes.) Remove from the heat, stirring to disperse any scum.
• It is important to pour and cap this low-sugar jam quickly (see pp. 21-22), but you must allow it to cool just a little first (give it 5 to 6 minutes) to prevent all those little raspberry seeds from rushing to the top of the jar, leaving you with half a jar of raspberry jelly and half a jar of raspberry seeds. Use within 1 year.
• Flavorful ripe strawberries give very good results with this simple recipe too. Hull the strawberries, halve or quarter larger ones, and continue as above.

PLUM & RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Tip the sugar into a heavy preserving pan or flameproof dish with the plums, lemon juice and half the raspberries. Heat until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil and simmer for a few mins until the plums are tender. Add the rest of the raspberries to the pan.
• Place a jam thermometer in the pan, bring to the boil, then cook over a high heat until the temperature reaches 104C. Alternatively, put a small plate in the fridge or freezer until really cold. Once the jam has been boiling for 10 mins and looks thick and syrupy, turn off the heat and pour a spoonful onto the plate. The jam is ready when it wrinkles as you push it with your finger; be careful not to burn yourself. If the jam is not ready, boil for another 3 mins, then repeat test as above, until it is ready.
• Allow to cool for about 5 mins. Skim the surface of any scum and pack into warm sterilised jars (see tip below). Cover with wax discs and lids. Will keep in the fridge or a cold larder for up to 6 months.

HOMEMADE RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Before you start, sterilise your jars (see tip below) and put a plate in the freezer to chill. Tip half the raspberries into a preserving pan and add the lemon juice. Mash the berries to a pulp over the heat with a potato masher, then leave to cook for 5 mins. Tip the cooked berries into a sieve over a bowl, then once all of the juice has drained off, firmly work the pulp through the sieve with a wooden spoon until you are left with just the seeds.
• Tip the juice and pulp back into the preserving pan and stir in the sugar. Heat gently, then add the remaining whole raspberries. Bring to the boil, then boil rapidly for 5 mins. Remove from the heat and drop a little jam onto the chilled plate. Now push your finger through it - it should wrinkle and look like jam. If it doesn't, boil for 2 mins, then test again.
• The top of the jam may look like it has sediment on it, but I find that if you stir it well as it cools, a little of this disappears. Pour into the jars and seal. It will keep unopened for a year, although the lovely bright colour will darken a little. Once open, keep in the fridge.