Does anyone make jam?

[RubyFakeLips]

Our usually very unimpressive London garden has suddenly produced absolute bumper crops with clearly more to come.

Currently drowning in Rhubarb, Gooseberries and Plums. I’ve gifted, frozen and covered so much in crumble already now want to go the preserving route.

I’ve dutifully bought the Diana Henry book but is a preserving pan essential?

Any other tips I should take on? Stocked up on jars today but I’m a complete novice and quite shit at this sort of thing.

@41sunnydays

Yes and a jam thermometer is essential !

I have to admit I followed the recipes on the preserving sugar bags and it's always been fine

I've never used a jam thermometer. I use the saucer method. www.bbcgoodfood.com/videos/techniques/how-test-jam-video

I just use a big stock pan, with jam sugar (always less than the recipe as I don't like it too sweet) then sieve out all the skin and stones. I wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water then put in the oven to sterilise.