Plum jam

Plums have lots of pectin that is needed to set the jam so it’s not too runny.  So it’s easy to make jam that sets well. Read more

Marmalade

Marmalade is made from citrus fruit – oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes and most commonly grapefruit.  It’s a favourite spread on toast for breakfast. Read more

Marmalade in the microwave

Marmalade takes a long time to cook in the conventional way on the stove top.  In the microwave oven it is much quicker.  This recipe has a carrot as well as citrus fruit that makes a less acid product. Read more

Raspberry jam

Raspberry jam is the easiest jam to make because raspberries contain enough natural setting agent (pectin) .  This means  the only ingredients you need are raspberries and sugar for a delicious thick red spread Read more

Prepare to store preserves

When you make pickles (like Green Tomato Relish) or jams (like Raspberry Jam), you will have a very hot mixture that has been boiling away on the stove top for some time.  If you try to pour this boiling mixture into cold jars, the jars are very likely to crack with the heat.

To avoid the resulting mess Read more