Vanilla & Cherry Jam
An original recipe by Not Quite Nigella
Ingredients
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1kg jar of pitted sour cherries, drained
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1/2 cup of sour cherry juice from the above jar
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800g caster sugar (preferably cane sugar)
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1 vanilla bean
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Juice, zest and 4-5 seeds of 1 lemon (wrap the zest and seeds in a muslin pouch)
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50 gram packet of Jamsetta (I used Fowlers Vacola brand)
Step 1 - First of all, decide whether you like your jam to have whole fruit, pulverised fruit or a bit of both and treat the cherries accordingly. I like whole fruit only so I don't do anything to the cherries but if you like a smoother jam, blend cherries in a blender (you can cut them up although it will be messy). Place cherries, juice, sugar, lemon juice and muslin wrapped seeds in a large, heavy based saucepan.Slit vanilla bean in half horizontally and scrape the seeds with a knife and place seeds in the saucepan along with the rest of the bean. Cook on medium to high heat for 30 minutes until it has reduced by about a quater.
Step 2 - Add the sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until mixture reduces by a quarter. Meanwhile place 4 clean glass jars (I used 4 x 375ml Bonne Maman and Andresy jam jars) and the lids on a tray in a 200C/400F oven and bake for 10 minutes to sterlise them.
Step 3 - Remove the pouch of seeds and stir in the Jamsetta. Place a small saucer in the freezer. After 5-10 minutes take it out of the freezer andplace a teaspoonful of the liquid onto the plate. Count to 30 seconds and then run your finger through the centre. If there is wrinkling or the line stays then it will set properly. If not, wash plate and place back in freezer and repeat every 3 minutes until the line holds.
Step 4 - Carefully ladle the jam (it will be very hot) into the jars. With rubber gloves screw the lid tightly and turn upside down for 5 minutes to create a seal. I also like to use the rubber gloves as you can wash down the sides of the jar if you've spilt a bit during the ladling process (which I always seem to do).
Step 5 - Try and resist eating this with a spoon.