Chunky Plum Jam Recipes

PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Place the plums and water into a large pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar, and add butter to reduce foaming, if needed. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly, and then mix in the pectin quickly. Return the jam to a full boil, and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and skim off and discard any foam.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the plum jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/8 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area. Refrigerate opened jars for up to 3 weeks.

CHUNKY PLUM AND CINNAMON JAM

Steps:

• Cut the plums in half and take out the stones, chop into small chunks and put into a measuring jug.
• The amount of sugar you need depends on how bulky your plums are.
• Pour the chopped plums into a pan and measure out approx 3/4 the amount of sugar to plum pulp, so for example 1 pint of plum = 3/4 pint sugar.
• Add the sugar to the pan along with the lemon juice and cinnamon stick and slowly bring to the boil.
• Boil hard for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time, and avoiding any splashes. Reduce the heat, skim off any scum and start testing for a set by putting a tsp of the mixture onto an ice cube. If it jellifies when cold it is ready. If not boil hard in 1 minute increments until setting point is reached, turning the heat down to low every time.
• Take off the heat, stir in the butter allowing it to melt and leave until it is half cooled down before potting and storing in sterilized jars (see canning notes) so that the fruit doesn't sink to the bottom.
• You can leave the cinnamon stick in 1 of the jars if you like, after 2 or 3 weeks this jar will be the best, in looks and in taste.