When we returned from the Sunshine Coast we stopped off for some jam grade strawberries. I had no clue how to make jam but the thought of fresh jam sounded really good.
1kg of strawberries for $5 and I figured I couldn't go too wrong. Then I mentioned to a friend my plans. Oh good luck she said. I remember Mum trying to make jam and it never set. I thought eek set ? really? This could be a disaster.
I started googling about sterilizing jars and what not. Stressing again ( I swear I never used to get anxious like this ! ) I wondered what on earth I was thinking.
Anyhow I had the strawberries so jam making commenced.
Someone mentioned in one of my comments about jam making sugar ( thank you! ) and I found that at woolies along with some jam jars.
I chopped up the strawberries added in the sugar put it on the stove - mushed it up with a masher just a little bit. 1 kg fruit 1 kg sugar - eeek
I placed a saucer in the fridge for me to try the setabilty ( no such word I don't think LOL ) of the jam. Once the sugar was dissolved I bought it to a slow rolling boil for 4 minutes- dropped some on the cold saucer - it didn't run much so I figured that would be ok.
I poured boiling water into my jars and them popped them in the oven for 10 minutes.
I skimmed the froth off the top of the jam then I poured the hot jam into the jars, put the lids on (I soaked them in boiling water too) and turned them upside down for five minutes. I left them on the bench to cool then popped them in the fridge.
The next morning I checked and FAR OUT it worked. I have (had) three jars of the most delicious jam ever. I am a bit dubious as to whether I have sterilised the jars for keeping so I have given some to the neighbours.
If anyone has advice on that I would love to know but really I'm quite happy to make three jars at a time - eat one give two away. So good - give it a try!
