I have jam sugar, blackberries, how do I make jam?

[pregnantpause]

Hello,
Bouyed by you lot I have gone and convinced myself I can make jam. I have my jam pan (well a giant saucepan) I have blackberries, I have jam sugar and an overpriced sugar thermometer.

How do I combine these ingredients to make jam?

Thanks in advance. ( and wish me luck, I'm known to burn myself making toasties )

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/11750/angelas-flexible-jam-recipe
I've used this one with strawberries and rasspberries. I've never used a thermometer, I just assume that it it's boiling away then it's ok. The biggest problem is getting it from saucepan into jars - gets messy!! Its really easy, just make sure you keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn the bottom of the pan. Good Luck.

I made jam for the first time last week.

I just bunged my fruit, sugar and a bit of lemon juice in the pan, brought it to the boil and then simmered it for an hour or so. I didn't have a thermometer so i used the plate in the freezer method.

I was starting to panic when it wasn't thinkening but a quick Google search told me that it was because ripe plums don't contain much pectin so i just added a grated apple to thicken it.

Anyway it worked and i had my first taste today - it was delicious!

This recipe on BBC Good Food seems fairly simple.

Littleblackno has linked to the same recipe as me

I've used that recipe they've linked to for blackberries and it worked like a charm. :) You don't need a thermometer because the rolling boil changes visibly (lowers down the pan a bit) when the setting point is reached. I wouldn't boil it for an hour though.

I made my first blackberry jam this year, I love it!

I would say, if you have jam sugar, make sure you use a jam sugar recipe (boil quickly etc), I used a preserving sugar recipe for my blackberries (long cooking) and while the taste is great, it's v thick (comes in slices, falls off your toast etc).

I didn't think they were that different but they really are. tastes great though!

Also make sure you sterilize your jars properly, I wash mine in hot water and dry them in a hot oven for 10 mins.

Good luck, it's v satisfying (despite mine being questionable to say the least!)