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Plum Preserves Recipe
๐ Total Time: 50 minutes
๐ฅ Yields: About 5 1/2 pints
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
5 | Plums |
4 | cups sugar |
1 | cup water |
Directions:
-
Prepare the Plums:
- Wash the plums thoroughly under running water.
- Remove the pits and chop the plums into small, even pieces.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large saucepot, combine the chopped plums, sugar, and water.
-
Bring to a Boil:
- Place the saucepot over medium-high heat.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
-
Cook Rapidly:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a rapid simmer.
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the gelling point. This is when the mixture thickens and starts to coat the back of a spoon.
-
Prepare Jars:
- While the plum mixture is cooking, prepare your canning jars.
- Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water.
- Rinse them thoroughly and place them in a large pot filled with water.
- Bring the water to a simmer to sterilize the jars and lids.
-
Ladle the Preserves:
- Once the plum mixture reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
- Carefully ladle the hot preserves into the hot, sterilized jars.
- Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
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Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Place the lids on the jars, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
- Apply the screw-on bands firmly but not too tightly.
-
Process the Jars:
- Place the filled jars into a boiling water canner.
- Make sure the jars are covered with at least 1 inch of water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Process the jars for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
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Finish and Store:
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the canner.
- Place them on a towel or cooling rack to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you should hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing.
- Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, it is sealed.
- Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy your homemade Plum Preserves on toast, biscuits, or scones.
- They also make a delightful addition to cheese boards or as a glaze for meats.
๐ Recipe Notes:
- Plum Selection: Choose ripe, but not overly soft, plums for the best flavor and texture.
- Gelling Point: To test if the preserves have reached the gelling point, place a small amount on a chilled plate. It should wrinkle and hold its shape when pushed with a finger.
- Canning Safety: Follow proper canning procedures to ensure the safety and longevity of your preserves.
- Storage: Properly canned plum preserves can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry.
This Plum Preserves recipe yields sweet, tangy jars of goodness that capture the essence of fresh plums ๐๐ฟ. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to preserving, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy preserving! ๐ฏโจ