Plum jam

Plum Jam - an authentic and healthy delight

Total preparation time: 4 hours
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400g

What could be more pleasant than filling your home with the unmistakable aroma of plum jam? This simple plum jam recipe will bring you joy not only on cool autumn days but also much satisfaction due to its natural and healthy taste. With no added sugar, this jam is a perfect choice for a quick yet healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

- 5 kg very sweet autumn plums
- 1 lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla essence
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum essence
- 200 g walnuts (optional, but recommended)

Step 1: Preparing the plums
Start by washing the plums well under cold running water, removing the stems. Choose very ripe plums, as they will give the jam an intense aroma and a creamy texture. If you want to reduce cooking time, you can choose smaller ones, as they will soften faster.

Step 2: Peeling the plums
Place the plums in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This simple trick will help you peel the plums easily. After removing them from the hot water, immediately place them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Carefully peel the plums, then cut them in half and remove the pits.

Step 3: Preparing the puree
Mash the peeled plums using a blender or a potato masher, obtaining a fine puree. If you prefer a more rustic textured jam, you can leave some larger pieces.

Step 4: Cooking the jam
Transfer the plum puree to a well-washed and sterilized pot that is not too small, to allow steam to evaporate the water. You can use a wooden spoon to constantly stir the mixture. This step is essential to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Adding flavors
Once the jam starts to boil, reduce the temperature to medium and continue stirring. When you notice that the plums have started to boil, add the juice of one lemon, cinnamon, vanilla essence, and rum essence. The aroma of these ingredients will transform the jam into a unique delicacy. If desired, you can add lightly crushed walnuts for an extra crunch and special flavor.

Step 6: Patience is key
Cooking the jam can take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the quantity and how moist the plums are. During this time, stir frequently to avoid burning. When the jam reaches the desired consistency, it will have a darker color and a dense texture.

Step 7: Packaging
When the jam is ready, pour it into cleaned and sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are still warm to avoid cracking. Seal the lids tightly and let the jars cool completely at room temperature.

Serving suggestion
Plum jam is delicious on toast, alongside fresh cheese, or even as a filling for pastries. You can also use it to add a touch of sweetness to your favorite yogurt.

Possible variations
To personalize the recipe, you can experiment with different flavors, adding grated ginger or cardamom for an exotic taste. You can also replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

This plum jam will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every jar. Whether you prepare it for yourself or as a heartfelt gift for loved ones, the result will always be special. Enjoy it with pleasure!