Rhubarb & Vanilla Jam

Rhubarb is everywhere in the summer. If I don’t have loads of it growing then I know someone else who is giving it away because there is way too much! Rhubarb crumble is a classic, but it you’re looking for something different try rhubarb jam. It will keep giving those sweet sharp flavours even after summer.

Ingredients
1kg Fresh Rhubarb
1 Vanilla pod
1/2 pint of warm water
500g Caster sugar
50g Raspberry jelly (set cubes)

Wash the rhubarb making sure there is no nasty bugs left on. Dice the rhubarb and add it to a deep based pan with the water. Bring to the boil then add the sugar. Stir to break up the stewed rhubarb. To remove the vanilla seeds split the pod down the middle. Use the back of the knife to scrape the seeds out. Add to the rhubarb and stir. Leave the jam to simmer for roughly half an hour, stir occasionally to stop from burning. Add the jelly, stir until dissolved. The jam should have a gloopey glossy texture once it is finished. Add to the sterilised jars.

ENJOY!

Chilli Jam

Once you start making it you will always need at least one jar in your cupboard. Goes great with cheese, fish, in sandwiches, cold meats, as a marinade, etc.

Cheese & Chilli Jam

This recipe will make 1438ml

Ingredients

• 800g fresh / 800g tinned tomatoes
• 2400g fresh chillies
• 6 red peppers
• 700g caster sugar
• level tsp of mild chilli powder
• 2/3 pint of warm water
• 2 onions
• 3 cloves of garlic
• Heaped Tbsp of Tomato puree

If using fresh tomatoes the skins will need to be removed first. Put all the tomatoes into a bowl, pour boiling water over the tomatoes and leave them to soak for a few minutes. While the tomatoes are soaking finely dice red peppers and onions. Drain the tomatoes, and remove the skins. Dice the tomatoes as well. Crush the garlic and grind into a paste with salt. Chop the chillies. Very important! Either wear gloves or put the chillies in a food processor. The chillies really do burn your fingers for hours!! Remove the seeds if you don’t like it hot! Add the chillies, garlic, peppers, onions and fresh chopped tomatoes to a deep based pan and fry for a few minuets with tbsp of oil until softened.(If using tinned tomatoes add now) Add the water, sugar, puree and chilli powder. Bring to the boil then turn to a simmer. Stir frequently as the sugar can catch on the bottom. After around an hour on the hob the jam should be ready. If the jam coats the back of a metal spoon without running off then the jam is ready. The jam will continue to set in the jars. Once the jars sterilised add the hot liquid to the jars. Cover with some baking parchment or cling film and fasten the lid tightly. The jam will keep for at least 6 months.

Chilli Jam

Give as presents or keep for yourself!