Description
Homemade gooseberry jam brings sweet-tart magic straight from summer gardens to your breakfast table. Rustic European charm meets delightful preserve crafting when simple ingredients combine into a spreadable treasure that delights bread and scones.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 2 lb (900 g) gooseberries
Sweeteners:
- 2 lb (900 g) granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers and Additives:
- 4 tablespoons elderflower cordial
- 1 trace of butter
Instructions
- Prepare a heavy-bottomed pot by lining its base with buttered parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Carefully slice gooseberries in half, revealing their delicate interior, and transfer them into the prepared pot along with a measured amount of water.
- Gently simmer the gooseberries over low heat for approximately 15 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices.
- Gradually incorporate sugar into the fruit mixture, stirring delicately to ensure complete dissolution, which typically takes 10-15 minutes.
- Elevate the heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, maintaining a rapid cooking process for precisely 8 minutes to develop the jam’s rich consistency.
- Perform a set test by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled saucer; if it wrinkles when pushed, the jam is ready. If not, continue boiling for an additional minute or two.
- Remove the pot from heat and introduce elderflower cordial, stirring to infuse a subtle floral essence throughout the jam.
- Allow the jam to rest for 15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and slightly cool before carefully transferring into sterilized glass jars.
- Seal the jars immediately to preserve the jam’s freshness and prevent contamination, creating a delightful homemade preserve.
Notes
- Prevent burning by lining the pot base with buttered parchment, creating a protective barrier.
- Choose slightly unripe gooseberries for optimal pectin content, ensuring better jam setting.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to enhance natural pectin and brighten the jam’s flavor profile.
- Elderflower cordial transforms traditional jam into a sophisticated, aromatic preserve with delicate floral undertones.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 910
- Sugar: 225 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.05 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.03 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 230 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg