Microwavegingerplumjam Recipes

MICROWAVE PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Place sugar, lemon juice and plums in a deep 8 cup microwavable container (I use a pyrex measure).
• Microwave, uncovered on High for 2 1/2 minutes, stir. REPEAT twice more.
• Microwave, uncovered, on High 15 - 18 minutes, STIRRING every 4 minutes until it will form a gel.
• Ladle into hot sterilized jars. Wipe rims, remove any air bubbles, add hot lids and rings.
• Process 5 minutes in boiling water bath.

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.

OLD FASHION YELLOW PLUM PRESERVES

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and bring to boil slowly, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Cook quickly until jelly point (approximate 13 - 20 minutes) stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
• Pour into sterilized jars.

PLUM JAM RECIPE - A

Steps:

• Place plums, water, lemon juice, and butter in a large non-aluminum stockpot.
• Stirring often, bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruit is soft.
• You should end up with about 4-1/2 cups.
• Stir in sugar. Return heat to high and bring back to a rolling boil while constantly stirring.
• Add pectin and return to a boil while stirring.
• Continue to stir and boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
• Let rest for 1 minute, then skim off any foam.
• Pour even amounts into sterilized jars, leaving 1/8-inch of space at the top.
• Wipe rims and seal with sterilized lids.
• Process in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove, let cool, and label jars.
• Store plum jam in a cool, dry place.
• FOR SUGAR FREE VERSION: follow directions on No Sugar Added Pectin box.

DAMSON PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Wash and pick over the plums.
• Combine the plums and the water.
• Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Allow to cool enough to handle - or completely, if you like - and fish out the pits (I put them through a food mill, and then removed the pits from the remaining pulp).
• Return the pulp to the rest of the jam once the pits are out.
• Meanwhile, put the jars into a canning kettle and cover with water to one inch above the tops of the jars.
• Bring to a boil, boil 10 minutes to sterilize.
• Return the plums to the jam kettle, and bring them back to the boil. Add the sugar to the plums, stirring to dissolve.
• Boil to jam stage, about 20 minutes. Test for the gelling point with one of the following methods: Temperature test - Use a jelly or candy thermometer, and boil until mixture reaches the following temperatures at altitudes of: Sea level to 1,000 feet - 104°C/220°F; 1,001 feet to 2,000 feet - 103°C/218°F
• Sheet or spoon test - Dip a cool metal spoon into the boiling jelly mixture. Raise the spoon out of the steam, about 12 inches above the pan. Turn the spoon so the liquid runs off the side. The jelly is done when the syrup forms two drops that flow together and sheet or hang off the edge of the spoon.
• I like the"sheet" test.
• As the jam cooks, remove any pits you may have missed.
• Remove from the heat and stir and skim 5 minutes.
• Pour into hot sterilized jars and seal with lids sterilized according to the manufacturers directions.
• (Generally, boiled for 5 minutes.) Place jars of jam back in boiling water bath and boil for 5 minutes.
• Let cool, and store when the jars have sealed.