Alices Raspberry Jam Recipes

RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Toss the raspberries, sugar and lemon zest and juice in a medium saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the berry juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the raspberries to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 25 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or spoon through it. If the jam holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, covered tightly. Jam will keep in the refrigerator up to 6 months.

EASIEST EVER RASPBERRY JAM BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180C/350 (fan forced). (Note 1)
• Spray a 20cm/9" square tin with oil and line with baking/parchment paper with overhang (so it can be lifted out once cooked).
• Mix together butter, flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and salt until you can no longer see white bits of flour. Add egg and mix.
• Place 2 1/2 cups of the mixture in the tin and press into base. Spread with jam (Note 2), then use your hands to crumble the remaining mixture over the top (Note 3).
• Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until the top is deep golden. Remove and allow to cool in the tin before lifting out of the tin using the baking paper.
• Cut into squares. Serve at room temperature. Store in airtight container.

ALICE'S RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar. Let stand until the berries start rendering their juice, about 15 minutes.
• Place a small plate in the freezer to use later to test the consistency of the jam. Prepare two 1-pint canning jars and self-sealing lids in boiling water, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Bring the saucepan of berries to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. The mixture will bubble up, rising high up the sides of the saucepan. Skim off any light-colored foam as it collects on the edges. Soon the jam will boil down again, forming smaller, thicker bubbles. At this point, start testing the consistency by putting small spoonfuls of the jam on the cold plate. This will cool off the jam sample quickly so you can tell what the finished texture will be like. When the jam has cooked to the thickness you want, stir in lemon juice. Turn off the heat, and carefully ladle the jam into the prepared canning jars, allowing at least 1/4 inch of headroom. Clean the lip of the jars with a clean, damp towel, and seal with the lids, following manufacturer's instructions. The jam will keep for about 1 year.

QUICK RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Combine the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice in a large skillet. Set over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and starts to boil, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often and gently smashing the berries, until the liquid thickens to the consistency of syrup, 4 to 5 minutes. Skim off and discard any pale pink foam on the surface. Remove from the heat.
• Cool until warm or room temperature to use immediately or transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. The jam can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

SMALL-BATCH RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Place a few small plates in the freezer. Stir berries, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and half the orange zest in a large, heavy pot. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar and mashing lightly with a potato masher. Skim foam from surface. Cook, stirring more frequently as jam thickens, until it has the consistency of very loose jelly, 8 to 9 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Remove a plate from freezer; drop a spoonful of jam on it. Return to freezer for 1 to 2 minutes; nudge edge of jam with a finger. It should hold its shape. If jam is too thin and spreads, return it to a boil, testing every minute, until jam holds its shape on plate.
• Strain about half the jam through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard seeds. Return strained jam to pot; stir in remaining zest. Return to a boil, then remove from heat. Let cool before using or storing.

RASPBERRY JAM WITHOUT PECTIN

Steps:

• Bring raspberries to a boil in a very large pot. Cook for 4 minutes. Add sugar and lemon juice; stir well. Bring back to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for another 4 minutes.
• Remove pot from heat and pour jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch of space at the top. Seal and transfer jars into a boiling water bath. Make sure jars are covered with at least 1 inch of water; let sit for 5 minutes. Lift jars and let them cool in a draft-free place without touching, 8 hours to overnight.