Help from the canners- Re: jam

[mrswaz]

I have these in my fridge, and turns out my kids don't like them:

12 nectarines
12 black plums

I also have a lemon and limes, as well as juices of both. I also have a box of each liquid pectin and powdered pectin.

Any suggestions for how to make a jam or conserve or something along those lines? I am nervous about substituting in jam making- any recipe suggestion? TIA!

[Beth]

Well, I did a quick look and found this one for you:

Nectarine Plum Apple Jam

5 plums, sliced
2 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped
4 nectarines, peeled and chopped
1 cup water
2 tsp grated lemon rind
2 T lemon juice
3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger

Combine fruits, water, lemon rind, and juice in a large nonreactive pan. bring to a boil over high heat, Cover, reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes or until fruit is softened.

Add sugar to fruit mixture and return to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Boil rapidly, uncovered, until mixture will form a gel, about 30 minutes, stirring occassionally. Stir in spices.

Ladle into sterilized jars and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Variation: Substitute 1 T vanilla extract for cinnamon and ginger.

Plum jam is great -- I have made it with a touch of added amaretto or orange liquer. The nectarines can also be used in just about any recipe calling for peaches (I can't believe they don't like them!).

[mrswaz]

Perfect Beth! Exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't totally sure about subbing the nectarines for peaches. Glad to know I can.

I think my kids are going througha phase. No messy food. And the fruits in my fridge are at oozing drippy perfection.