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Need some help and suggestions from better cooks than me

(12 Posts)
BlueBelle Mon 05-Aug-24 14:59:06

Right I m not a good cook so that’s a start I don’t enjoy cooking it’s not my thing however I decided to make some jam and I know there’s lots of wonderful jam makers on here
Well I followed the receipe and did the icy plate test and all was good but I think I had cooked it too long as it’s just a very very thick sticky ‘thing’ it tastes lovely but cannot be spread its like tar Is there anything you can do or is that it, break into it or chuck it. 🤣

AGAA4 Mon 05-Aug-24 15:06:18

You could try heating in the microwave then adding water or juice until it is more spreadable.

BlueBelle Mon 05-Aug-24 15:11:09

Ahh that sounds a plan thanks AG watch this space

Allsorts Mon 05-Aug-24 15:24:08

Equal parts sugar to fruit in the microwave you cant go wrong, not really ripe fruit, if it needs pectin such as strawberry, add lemon juice. Any cooking disasters I freeze.

Ziplok Thu 08-Aug-24 14:59:50

You could use it as a base for a a sponge pudding (grease a basin, add some of your jam and top with a basic sponge mix, bake at 180 degrees C for about 30 mins until springy to the touch).
Basic sponge mix:
4 oz Self raising flour, 4 oz sugar, 4oz marg/butter, 2 eggs beaten. Mix all ingredients together as an all in one method.
I sometimes reduce the sugar to 2oz.

NanKate Thu 08-Aug-24 15:13:26

How wonderful BlueBelle someone else who doesn’t like cooking. Anytime in the past when my DH was away I lived on fruit, cheese, eggs, toast and a decent glass of wine.

I get away with buying Charlie Bingham meals once a week. Just open them up and whack them in the oven, half a hour later really tasty food.

Sorry I can’t give you any advice of jam.

I feel better for ‘fessing up 😀

J52 Thu 08-Aug-24 15:23:14

I use a cooking thermometer when making jam or chutney. They’re not expensive and give you an indication when the setting point is reached.

AreWeThereYet Thu 08-Aug-24 15:37:18

I would try AGAA4 idea of microwave/heat in a saucepan gently with some added water or juice. Give it a stir and see if it absorbs the water to thin it out.

If it doesn't work you can still use it by heating a small amount when you want to spread it (being careful it's not too hot to eat) or add some whisky/brandy and make a syrup for pancakes/rice pudding.

Or add dollops to rice pudding - you'll have orange rice pudding,

megan777 Thu 22-Aug-24 18:28:09

Don't chuck it! You can try to rescue it by adding a bit more water or lemon juice to thin it out. Heat it gently, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's still too thick, you can use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream instead of a spread.

Kaimoana2 Wed 02-Oct-24 04:18:16

Did any of this work BlueBelle ?

BlueBelle Wed 02-Oct-24 06:07:20

I did exactly what AGAA4 suggested in the microwave and it’s perfectly usable now
I wouldn’t give it away as presents but it will see me through a few months
Thank you

silverlining48 Wed 02-Oct-24 11:43:20

Good for you Bluebelle, as another who doesn’t like cooking and has never even contemplated making jam, I say well done. Enjoy and be proud. 😊