Plumjamwithlimeandginger Recipes

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in pot and bring to a boil.
• Boil rapidly to almost the jelling point.
• This will be where you are stirring as it is still boiling for 15 minutes.
• As it thickens make sure to stir so not to burn.
• Ladle into sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch head space.
• Process 15 minutes in a boiling water bath.

Steps:

• Combine the blueberries, sugar, lime zest, 3 tablespoons lime juice and the salt in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven. Toss well and let stand until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries begin to release their juices, about 15 minutes.
• Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer; cook, stirring often and skimming off any foam, until the blueberries are tender and the juices thicken, about 35 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice. Remove from the heat and let the jam cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
• Transfer the jam to a jar or other airtight container. Refrigerate until cold and fully jelled, 3 to 4 hours. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Mix together the breadcrumbs, sugar, ginger and egg white. Roll out the pastry and cut into a 35cm round. Transfer to a large baking sheet, then use a fork to spread the crumb paste over the centre of the pastry to within 7cm of the edges. Cover with the plums, cut-sides up, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sugar.
• Flip the pastry over the plums to create an edge, pleating or pinching it together with your fingers to keep in place. Bake for 20-25 mins until the pastry is crisp and golden. Cool for 5 mins on the baking sheet, then slide onto a large, flat serving plate or board. Serve warm cut into wedges with clotted cream or ice cream.

Steps:

• Sterilise the jars and any other equipment before you start (see tip). Put a couple of saucers in the freezer, as you'll need these for testing whether the jam is ready later (or use a sugar thermometer). Put the plums in a preserving pan and add 200ml water. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 mins until the plums are tender but not falling apart. Add the sugar, ground cinnamon and lemon juice, then let the sugar dissolve slowly, without boiling. This will take about 10 mins.
• Increase the heat and bring the jam to a full rolling boil. After about 5 mins, spoon a little jam onto a cold saucer. Wait a few seconds, then push the jam with your fingertip. If it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, cook for a few mins more and test again, with another cold saucer. If you have a sugar thermometer, it will read 105C when ready.
• Take the jam off the heat and add the cinnamon sticks (if using) and the knob of butter. The cinnamon will look pretty in the jars and the butter will disperse any scum. Let the jam cool for 15 mins, which will prevent the lumps of fruit sinking to the bottom of the jars. Ladle into hot jars, seal and leave to cool. Will keep for 1 year in a cool, dark place. Chill once opened.

Steps:

• Syrup: place the water and raw sugar in a saucepan over a medium low heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and add the lemongrass, ginger and kaffir lime leaves. Leave for a couple of hours or overnight before straining. The syrup will keep in a sterilised bottle for around 2 weeks.
• Mojito: place the syrup, lime and rum in a glass and muddle with a muddling stick to release all the juice from the lime. If you don't have a muddling stick you can use the end of a wooden spoon.
• Place the mint leaves in your hand and clap them together. Rub the mint leaves around the rim of the glass before popping them in the glass.
• Top with ice and sparkling water. Stir to make sure everything is well mixed, and garnish with lime wheels, a mint sprig and a lemongrass stalk.