I am already looking forward to breakfast in the morning (which is quite normal for me as I’m well known for ‘always thinking about the next meal’) and I know exactly what I’ll be having. JAM!
Today I made my first jar of jam using homegrown cherries, which I picked this morning from the garden. There were only enough cherries to make one jar this time (probably because I’ve been eating them straight from the tree even though they are not technically eating cherries, oops!), so this jar will have to be used sparingly (yeah right!).
If you have any cherries leftover and would like to give this a try this is what you will need –
For One Jar
200g Stoned Morello Cherries
302g Sugar
253ml fruit juice (I used Cawston Press ‘Apple and Rhubarb’)
Start by bringing the cherries and fruit juice to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes
Next add the sugar and stir constantly until all the sugar has dissolved
Bring back to a gentle boil and stir constantly
When it starts to turn sticky and thicken slightly turn off the heat and pour into a sterilised jam jar, then seal
A useful tip (which I learnt from my Mum) – before you start making your jam, put a small plate in the fridge. When you think your jam might be ready to turn off, put a small drop of jam on your plate and pop it back in the fridge for a minute or so. Then run your fingernail through the drop of jam. If it wrinkles, its ready. If it is still a runny mess, boil your jam for a little longer and try again.
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