Jam chutney etc

[morph]

Hiya

I'm going to start making jams and chutneys from leftover fruit and wondered if anyone had any hints and tips?

I've never made anything like this before, and my main concern is jars and sterilisation and how long things will keep for.

Secondly, the easier the better as I'm not one for slaving for hours in the kitchen!!!

Any help or ideas much appreciated!!

[charlwood1005]

I am no expert, and I was worried about jars and sterlisation etc so I just froze mine in small bags, and defrosted and then kept in the fridge

[wendy]

I make jam and Spencer has made chutney. I scald the jars, with really hot water and let then dry upside down naturally. Haven't had any problems
Wendy

[morph]

Very clever - I like that idea a lot Charlwood - especially when it's only me that will eat it as my hubby's a bit fussy!!!

Thanks Wendy - better than getting germs if I use jars!

[morph]

do you think the frozen in a bag thingy would work with orange/lemon curd??

[Dave]

what about a baby bottle steam steralizer

[seahorse]

wash and rinse jars and put them in a microwave for 1 minute. That will make them hot but dont stand em on anything cold as they will smash. If you put hot jam or chutney in them make sure the jars are also hot. Cold jam in cold jars. I experimented with a really evil chutney last year and made loads. It has almost all been used up now as we all like a challenge ... to eat it!!!

[jaylay30]

Hi According to the BBC Food website you can sterilise jars as follows.

"To sterilise jars, wash in soapy water, rinse well and then place in a cool oven - 130C/250F/Gas ½ - for 15-20 minutes."

[Allotment Lady]

That's the way I always do it

There are recipes of jams and chutney I have made on my blog (link below)

Look in the recipe section under Categories on the right hand side and just keep click to 'next' page as you scroll through

[morph]

great thanks!

[Allotment Lady]

Don't forget to let us know how you get on when you make some

[manda]

There's a recipe on the net for lemon curd to freeze that will keep for up to a year. I typed in "freezer lemon curd " I haven't checked it against the recipe that I have used to see if there is anything different about it.