How to make Blackberry jam

I made jam for the first time this week. Now you know I'm a self-confessed terrible cook. I can make a hash of the easiest of recipes so it's no wonder I haven't attempted Jam before. But then I found out how you make it ... put berries in a pan + splash of water + lemon and sugar = pot of jam. I had no idea it was that easy. So under the guidance of my crafty jam & jewellery-making pal Yidan, we made jam!

What you need to make jam:

1kg Blackberries (frozen or fresh) 1kg Jam sugar Juice & zest of one lemon 4 / 5 Jam jars Optional fabric, ribbon and label for lid

Step 1:

Sterilise your jars and put to one side to drain.

Step 2:

Put your blackberries into a pan, with the water, lemon zest and lemon Juice and start cooking over a high heat.

Step 3:

Stir well. I must confess, we totally forgot about the zest :- / but it still turned out OK :-)

Step 4

Simmer until the berries are soft, then add the sugar and bring to the boil. Keep stirring and simmer for a further 10 / 20 mins or until the jam has reach your desired consistency and the fruit has broken down. Depending on how smooth / lumpy you like your jam you can give your berries a squish with a potato masher.

Step 5

To check if your jam has set, pour a drop onto a saucer and leave it to cool for a mo. Give it a nudge with your fingernail - if the jam wrinkles it has set. If it is still too runny continue to cook until it reaches a thicker consistency.

Step 6

Decant into your sterilised jam jars ... 

... and pop on a jam cover and lid to keep your jam fresh and store in a cool, dark place!

Step 7

To finish off your jam with a pretty lid,  simply cut a circle out of some fabric (we drew around a teacup). Secure onto the lid with an elastic band and finish it off with a ribbon and label.

Ta da!

Our jam was scrumptious, and I wasn't the only one who thought so - Yidan's gorgeous little girl Natalie gave it two thumbs up too! Jam isn't the only thing Yidan excels at - check out the beautiful jewellery in her Etsy and Ebay shop ... she's my go-too gal at Christmas and birthdays! 

JM & Yidan

xx