Making Jams, Marmalades and other Conserves

[Bathsheba]

To save another thread going off topic I just wanted to say that if you are having trouble with jam etc not setting then there is a great product called Jam Setta. It is basically Pectin and Citric acid. I use it frequently because I use less sugar than most people when making jam etc. The traditional ratio is equal sugar to weight of fruit ie 50/50 but for me that's too sweet.

If you have any other tips, recipes or suggestions feel free to post!

[Bathsheba]

Another tip: if you use baby food jars (glass ones with round metal lids) then these are GREAT for sterilizing and using for jam making. After you pour in the boiling jam pop on the lid then let them cool. When they are cold you will see that the sealing indicator in the middle of the lid has been sucked down. When it's time to open the jar it will give a satisfying "pop" to prove that the contents are safe. They are also the perfect size to give out to friends.

To finish them off for gifts I buy some gingham (check fabric) and using pinking shears cut circles to attach to the lid. They look so pretty tied with a little satin bow. Making labels is quite easy too... lots of pre-designed ones on the 'net. One Christmas I made a huge batch of jams and lemon butter and did this. The most expensive part was the sugar! It really was a worthwhile exercise.

[Trillian]

Bath, I have a little cross stitch patterns somewhere that are for putting on jams etc - they looked so cute all done up like that.

[Bathsheba]

oooh yes Trill! I have some cross stitch patterns for the tops of jams too! They are definitely a "must do" at some stage... but only for friends/family who appreciate the work that goes into it...and who might end up framing them Or turning them into coasters (you can buy nice wooden ones with glass to protect the needlework). Is that a bit un-generous of me? LOL

[Trillian]

No not at all LOL, I would be loathe to do all that for someone who would just toss it when they are finished with it too.

[thepixie]

Ooh thank you for this thread Bath! Says she the original setting-challenged marmalade maker!
What are your fave flavours? So far I think the ruby grapefruit and rose petal is my favourite. It sets reasonably well too because grapefruit have a lot of pith.