Jam Drops
Jam drops are such a classic. It's that tangy gem of strawberry jam in the middle that stops me from exhibiting any sense of self-control. My Mum and Nan have long been kitchen crusaders of the jam drop and I have eaten them the same way for as long as I can remember; chomp around the edges first and then enjoy the sticky baked jam centre.
What you'll need:
125g butter
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon milk
Strawberry jam
What to do:
Preheat the oven to 180C and line two baking trays with non-stick paper.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add the egg, milk, flour and baking powder and beat until well combined. It may go hard and really crumby but keep beating until it comes together into a dough-like ball.
Roll two teaspoons of mixture into balls and place on the tray. Press down lightly using the palm of your hand to flatten them a little. Use the end of a wooden spoon to put a hole in each biscuit. Fill each hole with strawberry jam and bake for 15 minutes or until just golden. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Dust with icing sugar and enjoy!
Vanilla and Strawberry Jam
FOR at least the last 10 years, a cupboard in my house has been filled with homemade jams. Every winter, the strawberry stock is replenished and we somehow make it last through to the next year. I very rarely eat any other jam but when I do, I am reminded of how much better homemade jam is than that thick, processed, gelatinous supermarket stuff.
What I love about this jam is, well, a lot. I love hulling the strawberries and being tempted to do the ol' one for you (saucepan), one for me! I love that the whole house fills with the intense scent of sweetened strawberries. I love watching the glass-like syrup bubble away, allowing the strawberries and vanilla become best friends. I love watching those chunks of strawberry (real, fresh fruit) slip into the jar, knowing they will be enjoyed in months to come. Most of all, I love 'testing' the jam left in the saucepan after I've shared it amongst the jars - it's the first taste of the year; one of those simple things that totally blows you away every time. I love it.
Enjoy this jam with these scones.
What you'll need:
1kg strawberries, hulled and halved (quarter the big ones)
2 teaspoons Queens vanilla bean paste
750g caster sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
100mL water
40g jam setta (yes, setta)
Wax discs (optional, see note)
Clean jars, at least 5
What to do:
Put the strawberries, vanilla and lemon juice into a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat for two minutes, or until steaming. Pour in the caster sugar and water and stir to combine.
Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries are floating in the syrup. Grab a bowl of water and a pastry brush and use it to dissolve any sugar crystals on the side of the pan.
Once the syrup boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes. Stir every now and then but keep a watchful eye to ensure it doesn't boil over or burn.
Add the jam 'setta' and increase heat to medium-high so the jam is boiling heavily. Stir for 5-10 minutes or until the jam is super syrupy and glossy. Remove from heat. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Pour jam into each jar, filling it right up to the lip.
If you aren't using wax, let the jam cool, put the lid on and store each jar in the fridge.
If you are using wax, melt it in a small saucepan and spoon a tablespoon or two over the jam to cover it. Once the wax sets and the jam has cooled, put the lid on top and store jars in the pantry. Before consuming, get a knife between the wax and jar and pry the wax up and out. Refrigerate after opening. Enjoy!
