Monday 14 March 2011

Rhubarb Jam

Last weekend I went to the St Kilda Farmers' market. This groovy little market is only a hop, skip and a jump from our house, so I don't know why it took me well over 6 months of living here before I checked it out for the first time. It's only on once a month, so miss it and you miss out for another 4 weeks. Ouch! (Although I've just noticed there is an Albert Park market on the 3rd week of the month which is still nice and closeby. I might try and make it there this Saturday!)

Even though I've only been about 4 times, I've already got myself a little routine. Must buy items are baby cos lettuce, tomatoes, blue cheese and a piece of brownie. Other items are negotiable, depending on what's in season.

One of the suprise items this time was a lovely looking bunch of rhubarb. I made part of it into a galette, and the other 2/3 I used to make my first ever jam.

I was going to say it was as easy as pie, but truthfully it's even easier. I adapted this recipe from taste.com.au to use part of the bunch of rhubarb, and a heap less sugar. I'm not really a jammy person, and would prefer mine on the tart, rather than the sweet side. I had no idea if these adjustments would effect the setting, but it didn't seem to make any difference. I love the way there are only 4 ingredients, and no fancy setting or gelling agents (is that normal for jam? I have no idea!)

Rhubarb Jam

Rhubarb Jam recipe

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2/3 bunch trimmed rhubarb, washed, coarsely chopped
  • 300g caster sugar (I used a combination of raw sugar and caster sugar, since I was running low)
  • Juice of 1/2-1 fresh lemon
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence

Method

  1. Combine the rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a large glass bowl. Cover and set aside to infuse for a few hours or overnight, depending on how patient you are.
  2. Transfer the rhubarb mixture to a large saucepan. Place over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil. Use a large metal spoon to skim any froth from the surface. Cook, stirring, for 25-30 minutes or until the jam jells when tested (see note).
  3. Spoon the hot jam mixture into clean, dry jars. Seal and invert for 2 minutes. Turn upright and set aside to cool.

Tips

  • To test if the jam is ready, place 1 teaspoon of the jam on a chilled saucer and place in the freezer for 1-2 minutes or until cooled to room temperature. Lightly push the jam with your finger. If the surface wrinkles, it's ready.
  • To sterilise glass jars, wash the jar and lid in warm soapy water and rinse. Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper and place in oven preheated to 100°C until dry. Use straight from the oven.
Rhubarb Jam

There you go, easy as!!! Next time I would try replacing the lemon juice with orange juice and reducing the sugar even more.

Here's how I enjoyed my first tasting: for breakfast on pancakes with yoghurt and coffee. Mmmmmm.

Rhubarb Jam

I've never made scones before, but I'm tempted to learn just so I can taste this jam on a warm scone with cream. Yum!

6 comments:

Theresa said...

oooh Tam that looks so YUMMY!!!! I'm a bit of a rhubarb fan so I think I will be giving it a go!!

AND I am just catching up on blogs and read about your Mini-Tri - WELL DONE!!! I'm so proud of you and can't wait to see what you decide for the upcoming one - you're making me want to rush out and buy the first bike I see LOL (Saving for one at the moment ;) )

yublocka said...

Aw thanks Theresa. I'm still pretty chuffed over it. Next one will be later in year when season starts up again. Def need a wetsuit for that. Great youre planning on getting a bike too!! The pink one you posted pics of earlier??

Anonymous said...

Oh, that looks delicious!

I thought I'd lost your blog, didn't realise you were still blogging but glad to have found you again :). I've been on and off blog world for ages, over at Wordpress again now, this time for good!

ALWAYS CHASING said...

Oh that Jam looks really gopod, i seem to remember that wehn we made it in highschool (so many moons ago) we didnt use setting agents either...it's a sugar thing me thinks!

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Bea said...

I love it when I 'coast' through blogs via the 'next blog' button and stumble upon something really great. The jam recipe looks divine; I'm certainly inspired to try making some!

yublocka said...

Thanks Bea, I hope you like it if you try it! I never made it again, not sure why. I really should sometime!!!