The Marmalade Awards have given marmalade making a new lease of life; here is one of the best (of many) marmalade articles that I have read over the last few weeks.Gloria Nicol also sells beautiful French jam jars; quite perfect for the breakfast table or at any other time
A few years ago, I ran a children's cookery demonstration at Dalemain, where I enjoyed meeting Jane Haskell McCosh (the owner of Dalemain and festival organiser). She suggested involving the Mothers' Union in my cooking projects; her idea is still on my to do list. The festival is well worth a visit for marmalade viewing, local produce purchases and cookery demonstrations by amongst others, the the erudite, Food Historian Ivan Day.
I have made marmalade for years, mostly in cold, Scottish kitchens. My memory of Foffarty Marmalade (the house was called FFFForfarty by my father) is of condensation, and pools of water in window sills. Even in my current kitchen which benefits from a four door Aga, the windows soon mist over. I poach the Sevilles overnight in the simmering oven of the Aga, this eliminates some of the steam but all, in all, I'll confess, I love the orange aroma and even the steamy kitchen. It is also a wonderful environment for proving dough - freshly baked bread and Seville Orange Marmalade is delicious, and a fatal, comfort food combination on a cold January day. Sevilles (with the correct orange pronunciation) are also good in curd. Seville orange curd added to lightly whipped cream or yoghurt adds a seasonal touch to meringues and cakes.
And another photo from my kitchen, at marmalade time with my Grandmother's Great Aunt Annie's preserving pan in the background.
The most irritating things about Marmalade making :
Giving jars to firends who don't return them (clean and empty). This goes for any jam and for egg gifts too - please return jars and egg boxes.
My other grievance is the difficulty of removing label adhesive from old jam jars. This received much Twitter advice which is made for sharing, in fact, it prompted this post.
@Victoriark Bit late for this year, but Lakeland do a specialist product called Sticky Stuff Remover @porridgelady suggested this too
@jaynehowarth suggested the dishwasher but I have to say, some adhesive seems to be dishwasher proof.
@marmaladeawards said:a good soak,lighter fluid rubbed on paper, then wash again
Excellent stuff, and if my friends (Mummie excluded) read my plea, all will be well for Summer berry jam making.
I know this was posted in January, but have just found you. Yes I agree re jars, most of my friend's now know of they want more jam, marmalade, mincemeat etc, I'd like the empty jar back first! Also Lakeland sticky stuff works a treat, then a whizz through the dish washer!
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