Mixed Fruit Red Jam Food

MIXED FRUIT RED JAM

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, mix the crushed strawberries, blueberries, and apples.
• Mix certo pectin crystals with 1/4 cup of the sugar.
• Mix this into the prepared fruit.
• Bring the fruit mixture to a boil over high heat.
• Stir in the rest of the sugar.
• Boil hard for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir and skim for 5 minutes to avoid floating fruit (I had nothing to skim, but I stirred for 5 minutes anyway).
• Ladle into steralized jars to 1/4 inch of rim.
• Seal and process.

JUMBLEBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Before you start, sterilise your jars and put a plate in the freezer to chill.
• Tip the berries, lemon juice and sugar into a preserving pan. Gently heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar has melted and fruits are juicy.
• Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 mins. Remove from the heat and drop a little of the mixture onto the chilled plate. Push your finger through it; it should wrinkle and have set like jam. If it doesn't, boil for 2 mins more, then test again and, if necessary, keep repeating until it's ready.
• The top of the jam may look like it has sediment on it, but if you stir it well as it cools, it should disappear. Allow to cool and settle for 10-15 mins before ladling into sterilised jars and sealing. The jam will keep unopened for 1 year but, once opened, store in the fridge.

SUMMER FRUITS JAM

Steps:

• Briefly blend the fruit and place in a large microwave-proof bowl with the sugar. Microwave on High for 3 mins, then stir well. Microwave for a further 3 mins on High, stirring after. Finish with a further 2 mins, then pour into warm sterilised jars. Once bottled and cool the jam is ready to eat. Will keep in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Keep in the fridge once opened.

REDCURRANT JAM

Steps:

• Put two small, sterilised saucers in the freezer - you will use these to test the setting point of the jam. You can sterilise the saucers by washing them in hot soapy liquid, rinsing and placing in an oven at 180C/160C fan/gas 4 for 5 mins. Remove carefully and allow to cool.
• Remove the stalks from the fruit, and place the fruit in a large saucepan. Pour in 150ml water, bring to a simmer and cook gently for about 10 mins until the fruit has softened and is starting to break down. Place a sieve over a mixing bowl and push as much of the fruit and pulp through the sieve with the back or a spoon as possible, discarding the seeds and any stalks. You don't need to sieve the fruit if you prefer a seeded jam.
• Weigh the liquid and add three quarters of the sugar to the total liquid (for example, if your liquid is 400g, add 300g of sugar). Place back in the pan over a low medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar.
• Once the sugar has fully dissolved, turn the heat up and bring to the boil. Stir occasionally. If using a jam or digital thermometer, wait until the liquid reaches 105C. If not, after about 8 mins, remove a saucer from the freezer and spread a teaspoon of jam over it. Let it sit for 1 min before pushing your finger through the liquid. If it starts to wrinkle, the jam is ready. If not, return to the boil and check again after another minute. Continue to do this until the jam reaches setting point.
• Allow to cool slightly, then pour into sterilised jars and allow to cool completely. Store in a cool dark place.