Plum jam with vanilla

Plum Jam with Vanilla: A Magic of Flavors

Welcome to the sweet and aromatic world of jams! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for a plum jam with vanilla, which will not only delight your taste buds but also fill your heart with joy. This recipe is perfect for pancakes, rice pudding, or even ice cream. And the color? Pure magic, as I mentioned earlier!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: About 4 jars of 250 ml

A Short Story of Plum Jam

Jam has always been a way to preserve fruits for long winters. This technique has been used for generations, and each region has added its personal touch. The recipe we share today revolves around fresh plums, picked from the garden, bringing with it a vivid memory of summer. By adding vanilla, we transform a simple jam into something truly special, a real delicacy.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 kg plums (pitted)
- 4-5 tablespoons of organic white sugar (or to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 3 vanilla pods
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Preparing the Plum Jam

Step 1: Preparing the Plums

Start by washing the plums well under a stream of cold water. Remove the stems and pit the plums. It’s important to weigh the plums after pitting them to know exactly how much sugar to add.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

Place the plums in a large pot, add the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and whole vanilla pods. Mix well so that the sugar distributes evenly.

Step 3: Boiling

Put the pot on low heat and let the jam boil for at least an hour. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You will notice how the plums release their juice, and the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 4: Sterilizing the Jars

Meanwhile, take care of sterilizing the jars. Use my favorite method: place a damp towel in a tray, put the jars (previously washed and dried) in it, and leave them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential to ensure that your jam will last over time without preservatives.

Step 5: Finishing the Jam

After an hour of boiling, remove the vanilla pods. Split them lengthwise and extract the vanilla seeds, which you will reintroduce into the jam. Add the vanilla essence and mix well.

Step 6: Filling the Jars

Pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars, filling them almost to the top. Seal the lids tightly and leave them upside down until the next day, covered with a blanket. This is a traditional method that helps create a vacuum, ensuring your jam stays fresh.

Useful Tips

- Plums: Choose plums that are well-ripened but not too soft. The Tuleu Timpuriu variety is ideal, but you can use any other preferred variety.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet your plums are. If you prefer less sweet jams, try reducing the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
- Vanilla: Use natural vanilla for an intense flavor. If you don’t have pods, you can use just the essence, but the flavors will be less complex.
- Spiced Version: If you want to add a hint of flavor, try including a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during the boiling.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: Approximately 100 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like peaches or apricots. The taste will vary, but the process remains the same.

2. How can I keep the jam longer?
Make sure the jars are well sterilized. The jam will keep better in cool, dark places.

3. Do I need to use sugar?
Sugar is essential for preservation, but you can use natural sweeteners like honey, although the final result will be different.

4. What can I serve the plum jam with?
This jam pairs wonderfully with pancakes, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream. I recommend trying it with fresh cheese or as a filling for cakes.

Serving and Variations

Plum jam with vanilla is a perfect accompaniment for a delicious breakfast or as a dessert. Serve it alongside fluffy pancakes, creamy ice cream, or even as a filling for a decadent cake.

Don’t hesitate to experiment! You can add a splash of lemon or even a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

In conclusion, plum jam with vanilla is not just a simple recipe but also a way to bring summer into every jar. Use these tips and tricks to achieve a perfect result, and your friends and family will adore you for this delight. So put on your gloves and get started: the jam is waiting for you!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of plums (pitted); 4-5 tablespoons of organic white sugar; juice of half a lemon; 3 vanilla pods; 1 vial of vanilla essence; 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

 Tags:  plum jam