Monday, September 28, 2009

Gelin': How to Ensure a Perfectly Set Jam

If you've ever had the domestic urge to make your own jam, you've perhaps experienced the frustration of washing and peeling and pitting a vast quantity of fruit, sterilizing jars and lids, stirring constantly for over an hour, all to have it go pear-shaped when the jam refuses to set.  Don't despair.  give it another go (homemade jam is so worth it) and try this tip for perfectly set jam every time:

Place a saucer in the freezer when you begin stewing the fruit.  When the jam becomes quite thick (after about an hour over medium heat), spoon a dollop onto the saucer and return it to the freezer for a minute.  Remove the saucer and gently poke the dollop of jam with the tip of your finger.  If it wrinkles slightly, your jam is ready.  You can take it off the heat and pour into your hot, sterilized jars.