Sunday 18 August 2013

Dog walks and blackberry picking

Whilst out on our walk today, I found the bush where I collect my annual blackberry supply from, ladened with fruit. Although I only had my trusty little plastic bags (doggy poo bags - clean may I add), I made quite a little collection.
So home I trotted, to make some jam.

I picked some apples from one of the trees in the garden, to add for extra pectin (setting agent).

These were peeled, sliced and cored.




The blackberries were put in a pan of water for 30 mins to boil. This was then pushed through a metal sieve into a preserving pan, pushing out as much of the juice as possible. The seeds and other bits were discarded.

The apples were then added to this juice and brought to the boil. When soft enough the apples were crushed using a potato masher.



When the consistency was smooth, the sugar was added. Always lots of sugar.


The jam was gradually brought to a rolling boil, and then tested for its setting point.



The jam was then poured into jars. Ready for breakfast tomorrow!