Raspberry Jam

We finally got round to making the raspberry jam I alluded to earlier. The raspberries have been ready for weeks and time was ticking on! I have to say I really enjoyed this foray into preserving this time. I have been known to get stressed about all kinds of jam-related things, such as if it's really set or not, but the jam thermometer and previous experience is making it all a much happier activity.

The morning started with a trip to the market for 4kg of berries. That's quite a lot... especially when you have to carry them home on a bicycle with 4kg of sugar as well. We managed and they got back in one piece. Then the fun began!







22 jars of ruby-red properly set jam goodness. Yum.

Preserving on its way...

Coming soon:

- Plum jam (including pix and a 'how-t0' guide)
- Raspberry conserve (which will be softer than regular jam with a more intense flavour).

Since H has moved in, we've upped the preserving stakes somewhat. I invested in a jam thermometer to check the setting temperature. While I love making jam and am often described as a calm person, I find myself overcome with anxiety at the setting stage... is it? isn't it? have I just ruined 3kg of fruit?! Hopefully the thermometer will add some science to the art and make for a calmer Jules.

We're just waiting for a spare afternoon to do the raspberry, and for the plums to ripen (could be a few weeks yet). Watch this space!

Jam Update

Just to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who bought jam in aid of the Care for Children China Earthquake Appeal.


Thanks to you we raised over £110, which we're really thrilled about. The CEO of Care for Children is currently travelling around China to assess the damage to the orphanages and to ensure help gets to the most needy. They have already pledged a huge amount of support to buy clothes, milk powder and food for the children. THANK YOU and please check out the website if you want to read more about the work.

Jam Hot

The jam is made! H and I spent a morning in the kitchen last week and as I type this the jars are sitting looking at me all shiny and lovely. It was a bit stressful, I have to admit. I'm never quite sure when it has set or if we'll manage to get it finished without at least one limb or eyeball succumbing to a splash of molten sugar, but this time it was all good :)

WIP photos are here!




We decided that rather than giving the jam away, we'd sell it in aid of Care for Children's China Earthquake appeal. Care for Children is an amazing charity that facilitates fostering of orphaned Chinese children with other families, who either can't have their own children, or who are restricted by the one-child policy and would like to have a larger family (the one-child policy still allows for fostering and adoption). They have orphanages in the affected regions and will be helping in the aftermath of the earthquake. We're almost sold out but hope to make some more soon!