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2023 31 Days of MOO No. Mixed Berry Jam

Picture
When berries are cheap, or plentiful in the garden, they make great jam. And best of all, if you don't have the time to make a batch of  jam right then, you can pop them in the freezer until you have the time.

Then you just pull them out and make jam!

This is my microwave version of delicious mixed berry jam, using strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.

Ingredients:
750g mixed berries 
750g white sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice

Method:
Put the berries (can be straight from the freezer), sugar and lemon juice into a 3 litre microwave safe bowl. Stir.
Cook on HIGH 5 minutes. Stir to make sure the sugar is dissolved.
Cook on HIGH in 5 minute bursts, stirring in between each burst for further 15 minutes. Stir well.
Continue cooking on HIGH in 2-1/2 minute bursts, stirring between bursts. Watch the jam doesn't boil over.
After 25 minutes cooking time, test for setting point. Use a jam thermometer, setting point is between 104 - 105 degrees Celsius, or test on a cold saucer. Jam is at setting point if a teaspoon dropped on the cold saucer forms a skin and doesn't run when you drag a spoon through it.
Let sit five minutes then pour into hot, sterilised jars, seal and leave to cool completely. 
Label and date and your jam is ready to go on the pantry shelf.

Notes:
I use any mix of berries to make the weight. This batch I used homegrown strawberries and raspberries and blueberries I bought in bulk on sale a few weeks ago. Use what you have, or use frozen store bought berries. The jam will be delicious!
Don't be tempted to cut down the sugar - it not only sweetens the jam but it helps it to set and acts as a preservative.
The lemon juice aids in the setting as well as cutting the sweetness so don't leave it out.

What are the advantages of cooking the jam in the microwave oven over conventional stove top methods?
The jam is less likely to burn when cooked in the microwave.
You don't need to stand over it constantly stirring'.
There is less likely to be a boil over.
You can make a small batch while doing other things in the kitchen (I often do a batch of jam while I am cooking dinner).

Index
MOO No. 9
MOO No. 11

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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
    • Learning Centre
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2023
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    • Newsletters 2021
    • Newsletters 2020
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  • Saving Money
    • Latest Tips 2023
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    • Cheapskates Tip Store
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    • Changing Details
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