[jacnal]

Hello peeps, long time! Hope you're all well.

Well, I've quite a bit of gooseberries coming along nicely, and being the first time I ever set eyes on the plant, and first the time ever tasting the fruit (I love it!), I'm stuck for recipes for the surplus crop. I harvested some this afternoon and plan to top and tail and freeze (copying what someone else did and posted on a blog), but can I make jam with it? If so, will any jam recipe do? And what's with the freezing - can I not make with fresh berries?

Any other gooseberry recipes will be appreciated too.

Thanks!!!

[DD.]

Just made 22 pots of gooseberry jam. Simple recipe, easy to set as they are full of pectin......

2 1/2 lb gooseberries
1 1/2 pints water
3 lb sugar

Put gooseberries & water in large pan, bring to boil & simmer for 30-45 mins.

Add sugar, stir over low heat until dissolved.

Bring to boil, keep stirring.

Boil briskly until setting point reached, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat. Skim off sum. Cool slightly, pot & cover.

If you're not sure about the 'setting point', please ask.

[jacnal]

Yes please. Not sure but guessing when it starts thickening? :oops: Thanks!

Ps: Don't need to freeze them first?

[DD.]

Yes please. Not sure but guessing when it starts thickening? :oops: Thanks!

"Check for setting point by placing a little of the jam on a cold saucer and putting in the fridge for a few minutes. If setting point has been achieved, the jam should wrinkle when pushed with a finger."

Ps: Don't need to freeze them first?

They've been making jam for centuries. Freezers weren't invented back then!!!

[jacnal]

Thanks Dave.

[jacnal]

I'm hoping there's somebody out there now who can help.....................

I've made some gooseberry jam (it's done and has reached setting point - yay!!!).

Well, I've stuck 2 jars into the oven to sterilise, and will pour boiling water on tops to sterilise them too. But... how long shall I leave in oven? It's been 10 minutes so far on high.

[DD.]

Take them out!!!!

[jacnal]

Done! Jam's in them - I'm soooo pleased and proud!!! Thanks for the instructions. One last question. Once covered, do I leave out or store in fridge? Just put the old jar tops on, nothing else so may not be as airtight as they should be.

[DD.]

Put a bit of cling film across the jar before putting the lid on (or a bit cut out of a plastic bag). They store fine on the pantry shelf, and shouldn't be there long anyway!