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Blackberry Recipe #1

Bramble & Apple Jelly

The taste of bramble & apple jelly takes me straight back to my childhood.

I haven't had it for decades.

So when we went blackberry picking last weekend and stumbled across a wild apple tree, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.

And by the next morning, we were enjoying the freshest blackberries and apples on toast.

The only piece of non-standard equipment you need is a jam net or large piece of muslin cloth.

	Ingredients
	As many blackberries as you picked About twice as many (by weight) of apples We used wild apples, but Bramleys would also be delicious. You need an apple with a tang, rather than a dessert apple, which would make this too sweet.

Method

Carefully wash the blackberries, to remove dirt and any visiting insects. Remove any that are over-ripe.
Wash the apples and cut out any rotten bits. Chop them into quarters or eigths.

There's no need to peel or core the apples.
Put all the fruit into a large pan and cover. Simmer gently for up to an hour, until the apples are soft.
Pour the fruit mixture into a jam net, suspended over a large bowl. (You may need to get creative for this!). Leave overnight for the juices to drip into the bowl.
Next morning: measure how much juice you got.
For each 600ml of juice, add 450g of sugar to a large pan.
Bring to the boil and continue to boil gently, stirring regularly, for 10 - 15 minutes.
Test whether the jelly is set by dipping a frozen teaspoon into the pan and removing it. If, after a few seconds, the consistency is looking "jam-like", then you're probably there. Don't boil for more than 15 minutes.
Sterilise some jars by washing them and then drying in an oven at 100 deg C for 30 minutes.
Pour the jam into the hot jars. Cover and leave to cool.

Gorgeous on toast or as a topping to semolina...

Time From Cupboard-To-Table

Night before - about 10 minutes' preparation time

Next day - about 20 minutes, including cooking

Notes & Variations

Be careful when filling the jars. You might find a funnel useful.

Wipe up spills immediately, because this jelly has incredible staining power when hot and liquid!

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Ratings & Reviews

Rating	Comments
10/10	Works really well. Delicious. Try it on fresh white bread... :-)

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