There are quite a bit of "buy one get one free" fruit offers in the supermarket at the moment. There are some out-of-season unripe plums on offer, so I thought maybe it is good to use them to make some plum jam! (Suddenly feeling Christmasy...)

I am sure this is not the proper way of jam making. But it is quick(er) and easy(ier)! Can't wait to experiment these jam with some "creative" recipes...I imagine these spiced (with piney with citrus overtone) plum jam might be good for roast duck..mmmm...

Ingredients: (make 2 1/2 jar of jam)

1. 900g plum (quartered and pitted)
2. 500g perserving sugar
3. 1 tbsp juniper berries (crushed)
4. 1 tbsp green cardamon pods (crushed)
5. 1 juice of lemon
6. 1 piece cinnamon stick

Put all the ingredients in a deep pot and simmer the plum under low heat until very soft. It will take about 30-45 minutes. Once it is done, push it through a sift to another pan. (Keep those bits and pieces too large to go through the sift, I think you can use it for something else..maybe as marinade or baste for roast..)

Meanwhile, boil some clean jam jars and lids in boiling water.

Put a small plate to the freezer (this is to use as a surface to test if the jam is ready to set)

Return the sifted liquid to low heat, and boil until the liquid just starting to bubble. Place a small teaspoon of the liquid to the cold plate and put it back to the freezer for 1 minute. When it is ready, use your small finger to push the jam from one side, if you see wrinkles forming on the surface of the jam, the patch is ready.

Remove the jar (one at a time) from the boiling water and drain well. Gently pour the jam into the jar and seal immediately. ALL Done! 

Wonderful home-made present for your friends this Christmas...