Simple Apple Jam for Winter (Blender Method)

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make apple jam? Start by gathering everything you'll need. Tart or sweet-tart apples work best here. Rinse the apples well under running water to wash off any dirt.

2. Step 2:

   

   Peel the apples and core them. Cut the peeled apples into chunks—the size doesn't really matter, since they'll cook down anyway. Add the cut apples to a suitable pot. I use an enameled saucepan, which is the handiest choice. Skip aluminum cookware, so the apple juice doesn't react with the metal.

3. Step 3:

   

   Add the sugar to the apples and pour in a little water. Don't dump in all the sugar at once—depending on how sweet your apples are, you may need a bit more or a bit less.

4. Step 4:

   

   Set the pot over the heat and bring everything to a boil, stirring now and then.

5. Step 5:

   

   Simmer the apples over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. By then they'll be very soft.

6. Step 6:

   

   Use a blender to purée the apples into a smooth applesauce. No blender? You can press the soft apples through a sieve instead. Return the purée to the heat. This is a good moment to taste the jam and stir in a little more sugar if it needs it. Cook the jam over low heat, stirring constantly, for another 10 minutes or so. The longer it cooks, the darker and thicker it gets.

7. Step 7:

   

   Get your jars ready. Wash small jars and sterilize them whichever way is easiest for you—in the microwave, in the oven, or over hot steam. Ladle the jam into the jars and seal with lids that you've first rinsed with boiling water.

8. Step 8:

   

   Turn the jars upside down and check that they're sealed tight. To let the jam cool down slowly and finish setting, wrap the jars in a warm blanket and let them cool that way. Once cooled, move the jars to a cool spot for storage.

9. Step 9:

   

   Come winter, there's nothing better than cracking open a jar of this delicious, fragrant jam. Enjoy!