Plum jam

Plum Jam: The Delight of Autumn in a Jar

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400g

Plum jam is a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for adding a sweet note to breakfast or even for accompanying cheeses at dinner. It is not just a traditional dish but also an excellent way to preserve the taste of autumn fruits, transforming them into a delicacy that will delight your taste buds. I invite you to discover this captivating recipe that will turn plums into pure gold!

Ingredients:
- 5 kg very sweet autumn plums
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (depending on preference)
- 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum extract
- 100 g chopped nuts (optional)
- Juice from 1 lemon (to prevent oxidation and add a tangy flavor)

Step by step for perfect jam:

1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities. Remove the stems and place the plums in a large pot of boiling water for a few minutes, about 2-3 minutes. This step will make peeling easier.

2. Peeling the plums: After they have been in boiling water, take the plums out and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Use a sharp knife to peel the plums. This method will make the skin come off easily.

3. Pureeing the plums: Once peeled, place the plums in a blender or use a manual masher to turn them into a fine paste. If you want a thicker jam, you can leave some whole pieces.

4. Cooking the jam: Transfer the plum paste to a large pot and add the lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and rum extract. Mix the ingredients well and place the pot over medium heat. This combination of flavors will add a deep and complex taste to your jam.

5. Reducing the jam: Let the mixture boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The cooking process will take about 1-2 hours, depending on the desired consistency. The jam is ready when it has a thick texture and an intense color.

6. Adding the nuts: If you choose to add nuts, now is the ideal time. The nuts will provide a crunchy texture and a special flavor. Mix them well into the jam.

7. Preserving: While the jam is still hot, pour it into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are sealed tightly to prevent oxidation and keep the fresh aroma. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.

Serving suggestions and variations:

Plum jam can be enjoyed on a slice of toasted bread, alongside butter or cottage cheese. You can use it as a filling for pies, cakes, or even to flavor yogurt. If you want a more exotic version, you can add a few drops of orange juice or a pinch of ginger to brighten the flavor.

Useful tips:

- Choose very ripe and sweet plums for a more flavorful jam. Plums of varieties like "Ana" or "Vinete" are excellent for this recipe.
- Make sure to use a pot with a thick bottom to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- You can adapt the recipe according to your preferences, adding spices like cloves or cardamom to give it a personal touch.

With this plum jam recipe, you will bring an authentic taste of autumn to your table, perfect for enjoying all year round!