Plum and Apple Jam for Winter

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Gather all your ingredients. Use any apples you like: the sweeter the variety, the sweeter the jam, and vice versa. For the plums, Italian prune plums are ideal — not too large, with pits that come away easily. I used regular white sugar, but you could use brown sugar for a caramel note, or even coconut sugar for a hint of coconut.

2. Step 2:

   

   Wash the apples, core them, and cut into thin slices. Diced apples work fine for jam too, so cut them whichever way is easiest for you.

3. Step 3:

   

   Wash the plums and remove the pits. Small plums can be left in halves. Mine were large, so I cut them the same way as the apples — into slices of the same size.

4. Step 4:

   

   Put the sliced apples and plums in your jam pot — ideally a heavy-bottomed one.

5. Step 5:

   

   Cover with the sugar and let it stand for anywhere from 2 to 12 hours. Don't add any water — the fruit will release plenty of juice on its own.

6. Step 6:

   

   Once the fruit has given up its juice, it's a good time to add spices, if you like. I make the classic jam with no add-ins, but plenty of things work well here — vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger all pair beautifully with apple and plum. Or how about a spoonful of cocoa powder, for a chocolaty jam? Your call!

7. Step 7:

   

   Bring to a boil over low heat.

8. Step 8:

   

   Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened — about 40–45 minutes. Don't forget to skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

9. Step 9:

   

   Since this jam is for winter storage, the jars need to be sterilized. I set a spoon in each jar and pour in a little boiling water, then drain it after 10 minutes — but you can also sterilize jars in the microwave or oven. The lids just need to be boiled.

10. Step 10:

    

    Ladle the jam into the jars.

11. Step 11:

    

    Seal them with canning lids or screw-top lids. This jam keeps fine in ordinary indoor conditions — no refrigerator needed.

12. Step 12:

    

    This jam is wonderful with tea or in baked goods. Enjoy!