Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds of fresh plums, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped plums, sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until it thickens and reaches a temperature of 220°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean.
5. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, blend the mixture until it is smooth.
6. Return the pot to the heat and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7. While the jam is simmering, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
8. Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
9. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and place the lids and bands on top.
10. Using a jar lifter, place the jars in a large pot of boiling water and process for 10 minutes.
11. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a wire rack for 24 hours.
12. Check the seals on the jars by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops back up, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
220°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 cups of jam, or 8-10 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 10mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any variety of plums for this recipe.
- If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
- If you don't have a cinnamon stick, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the jam for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute the plums with peaches or apricots for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a spicy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the jam occasionally while it is simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jam reaches the correct temperature for canning.
- If the jam is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the jam, place the jar in a pot of simmering water until it is heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the jam on toast, scones, or biscuits.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh plums or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the jam doesn't set properly, you can reprocess it by emptying the jars back into a pot and reheating it to 220°F before canning again.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure that the jam is safe to eat.
Food history:
Jam-making has been a popular way to preserve fruit for centuries. Plum jam is a traditional European recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.
Flavor profiles:
This jam has a sweet and tangy flavor with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the jam on toast, scones, or biscuits for breakfast or as a snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A