Jams and preserves - equipment???

[ontheup]

I really fancy making some savoury preserves or some jam - Lakeland has so much stuff n ther website I have no idea what you actually need. Any experts out there who can guide me? DO I njeed a bg jam making pan for example? If so any ideas for where I can get one cheap? THanks

A big saucepan is fine, but better if it has a good heavy base.
thats it.

you don't need any other stuff really.
(listen to the archers marmalade wars recent story)

nigella has recipes for strawberry jam made in the microwave. easy peasy.

And now seville oranges are in season its the perfect time to try.

I use an ordinary saucepan, jam sugar from local co-op and old jam jars.

You can make it in some breadmakers too

I just use a large pan and a wooden spoon.

it was the Archers omnibus that did it for me today! Thanks for the advice - they were talking aout jam kettles which I guess are the big pans - if I can get away with a normal heavy pan then I'm in business.

I've got Nigella's Christmas book which has some chutney recipes but do you know what's in season now? Sadly I cant stand marmalade made with Seville oranges as it is too bitter....any ideas for a novice?

chutney is so easy, don't even have to worry about setting.
homemade tastes sooooo good esp as you can make it as spicy as you like with exra chilli.

Ah ha, how about nigella chilli jam.
its dam good.

Pretty much anything you can get your hands on can be turned into chutney. My red cabbage in my veg box will be.

you need a wide pan so liquid can evaporate easily. preserving pans are wide with heavy bottoms. They also have a handle like a bucket, and a spout to make pouring easier. you don't need one, but might be something to ask for as a present sometime if you find you enjoy making jam etc. also a jam thermometer. get the book by marguerite britten - prserve expert

I want to make marmalade this weekend and have been busy looking for a preserving pan but following advice here might just use my large stock pot until I get more into the whole jam thang! Does anyone have a good orange and lemon marmalade recipe I have one or the other but not a mix which I think could be quite nice?

a pressure cooker is good.
i find it handy to have a little stainless steel jug to pour the jaminto the pots with, but maybe just because I'm messy. You will need jampot covers.
top tip- sterilise clean jars in the oven
have fun, home made jam MUCH better and you know what's in it!

cocnutice - I was thinking of doing marmalade too and have found THIS recipe and was going to give it a try myself.

I had a steam steriliser for formula bottles. The babies are now teenagers but I still have it and use it for sterilising jam jars.

My jam saucepan came from an auction: try car boots, freecycle, charity shops etc.

SterlingTheStrong, my marmalade didn't work it didn't set - but as your recipe suggests I might keep what I have produced to use as a marinade. Will try your recipe next weekend, thanks.