All you jam making experts out there can you give me a "How to make jam for the first time ever" lesson?

[KittyWalker]

I've always fancied having a go! What do I need?

[onlinefriend]

Hi KittyWalker, i'm in the middle of writing a jam book. Will email you the draft-the first 2 chapters are a how to guide to jam generally and a troubleshooting section. After this there are 15 different jam recipes- would be interested in any feedback if you make any of them.

[KittyWalker]

Thank you online friend

[muslimah28]

Online can i see the book too it sounds great

I use my breadmaker which has instructions in the manual, it's good for experimenting with ja making as the machine does a lot if the work but it makes small quantities which if u ghetto into serious jam making is not so good. Good for starting out tho, which I would say is the stage I'm still at.


My tips would be Buy a jam funnel, thus is very useful. Google how to sterilise jars. There's different views on the need for waxed papers and how cover the jars. and you should know to test for the set- basically you keep a plate in the freezer put a teaspoon of jam in andafter a min push it with your finger and if it ripples it's set, if not it needs longer.

Also when you buy preserving sugar don't as I did presume it has pectin in it, check the packet to see.

In terms the actual how to, I'm guessing you just wanted tips as you can google the how to ( or wait for onlines book:))

[muslimah28]

Should read get into not ghetto :) am just wondering what a ham making ghetto would be now...

[muslimah28]

Jam making!!! Damn iPod!!

[onlinefriend]

Sent it you now Muslimah28

[KittyWalker]

Yes top tips from jam (or ham ) makers!! Thanks this is great! Do I need to buy a jam saucepan or can I use any saucepan?

[muslimah28]

Thanks online! Will take a look!

Kitty, you need a heavy bottomed pan, I know there are specific jam pans, online will know better than me the pros and cons of those versus just using a heavy bottom pan you have already. Actually one pro may be that you need the pan to be free of any black marks or stains but I'm sure if you scrub the pan well enough when you wash up it's fine. I recently made chutney in a normal heavy pan not a jam pan and it turned out good .

[Sleepglorioussleep]

I make absolutely loads of jam and it turns out well. I only say this because I don't have a special preserving pan-just a really large ikea pan. I do have a jam funnel-makes s hideous mess otherwise and jam not quick to wipe off the jars.