Originally developed as a way to preserve seasonal fruits and veggies so they could be enjoyed – and give us nutritional benefits – year round, jams, chutneys and relishes are a great way to add a piquant and delicious touch to everything from breakfast to dinner. What’s the difference between a jam and other types of preserves, you may ask? It is simple: jams are made with crushed or chopped fruit while preserves use whole or quartered fruit; in both sugar serves as a preservative. Savoury chutneys and relishes use much less sugar – instead vinegar and salt act as a preservative – and they are served as side dishes with yummy savoury curries, cheese platters and cold cuts.
UNDERSTANDING PECTIN
Just the word is intimidating, but it is all is much simpler than it sounds. Pectin is a natural fibre found in most plants and it is added to jams and preserves as a natural gelling and thickening agent. Adding pectin-rich ingredients helps your jam to gel so that it has a smooth, spreadable texture. Fruits such as apples and citrus fruits are particularly high in pectin, with the highest concentrations in the skins, cores and seeds, while blackberries and redcurrants also have high pectin levels. Fruits such as strawberries are low in pectin, so lemon juice is added to strawberry jam to help it to set.
STERILISING JAM JARS AND LIDS
Something that is important when you are making any type of preserve is to clean and sterilise the storage jars and lids meticulously. It is super-easy to do this in the oven or microwave.
IN THE OVEN Preheat the oven to 120˚C; arrange the well-washed jars and lids on a baking tray and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Allow to cool before filling.
IN THE MICROWAVE Half-fill a well-washed, clean bottle with hot water and zap at full power in your microwave for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the bottle, pour out the water (be careful not to burn yourself) and then dry well with a clean dishcloth. Allow to cool before filling.
| READY, GET SET, GO! To test the setting point of your jam, place a side plate or saucer in the freezer while you cook up your jam. When it has boiled and you think it is ready, drop a good dollop of jam on the ice-cold plate. Run your finger through the jam: if the mixture more or less holds its place without flooding into the gap, and wrinkles when you push it, your jam is good to go. If it is not ready, continue to boil it for a few more minutes and repeat the test. |
JAM SESSION
Many people are under the impression that you need oodles of free time at your disposal to make your own jams, preserves and relishes. Not true! There are many simple, easy and quick recipes that taste wonderful and add an authentic and delicious finishing touch to your table. Start off with our varied and exciting array of sweet and savoury recipes.
Fig Jam
This fragrant and exotic condiment could not be easier to make: simply combine roughly chopped fresh figs with a little honey, balsamic vinegar, sugar and water in a pot and simmer for 25 minutes. Allow the jam to cool before serving with savoury cheeses, crackers and cold meats.
Bacon Jam
This delicious, sweet-savoury, smoky delight is absolutely delish on crusty bread, with cheese and crackers, on a gourmet hamburger or simply spooned straight out of the jar! Ingredients include roughly chopped streaky bacon, onions, garlic, chilli powder, ground ginger, mustard, brandy, maple syrup and red wine vinegar. (Be warned: once you’ve spoilt your family and friends with this you’ll be fielding requests to produce more for the rest of all time.)
Beetroot and Orange Chutney
Our jewel-toned Beetroot and Orange Chutney can be whipped up in a jiffy and makes a beautiful gift served in the Le Creuset Berry Jar. Its spicy richness is courtesy of wholegrain mustard, coriander seeds, ground cloves and ground cinnamon, while piquant beetroot and onion combine for juicy deliciousness, and apples and the zest and juice of one orange ensure a delightfully jammy texture.
Savoury Chestnut Cheesecake with Onion Marmalade
Flavoured with ricotta and Cheddar cheese, chestnuts, thyme and nutmeg, this savoury cheesecake adds serious wow factor to a buffet when you are entertaining, or serve it accompanied by a mixed salad for a casual supper. The absolutely delicious caramelised red-onion marmalade has a hint of Tabasco that gives it just the right kick.
To view our full range of products, visit our online shop at www.lecreuset.co.za or pop into your nearest Le Creuset Boutique store.
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