Growing up we were spoiled by my lovely, and sorely missed Nanny J’s home made jams and marmalade’s. In fact three years ago today the angels took her under their wings and we all miss her dearly. I have fond memories of wheeling around a trolley full of heavily reduced strawberries in order for her to make a giant vat of strawberry jam and over the years I have made the odd random pickle and jam but too few and far between!
Last month I picked up some reduced rhubarb for 38p in one shop and a bag of bramley apples for 39p elsewhere and being rather hooked on ginger of late, I decided on a really hot evening to make a batch of jam involving all three ingredients. Fortunately after much stirring it magically worked and set perfectly with no need for fancy jam sugars – apple naturally contains high levels of pectin which helps the jam to set, one less bag to find space for too!
.JPG)
I am really pleased with the results, the ginger is not overpowering it just complements the rhubarb flavour perfectly with a lovely sticky, thick jammy texture. Its great for crumpets and toast! It proved popular after mentioning it on facebook – my spare jars went very fast with requests for more! you will all have to wait for the next Rhubarb season I am afraid!
.JPG)
Ingredients:
440g rhubarb, trimmed and cut to 1cm dice
1 bramley apple, apx 230g, peeled, cored and into 1 cm dice
390g granulated sugar
260g light soft brown sugar
2 pieces stem ginger, very finely chopped
Place everything in a large, heavy based saucepan, add 2 tbsp of water to help get it started. Gently bring almost to the boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for about an hour until you have a sticky pan full of jam – if using a thermometer you are aiming for 105o celsius. If desired mash up the apple chunks – I used a potato masher or leave them whole depending on personal preference.
Pour into your sterilised jars. Makes 3 jar fuls. Store in a cool place and refridgerate after opening.
.JPG)
