Cherry Jam with Baking Soda

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make cherry jam? Measure out the ingredients. Wash the cherries well and remove the stems and pits. A cherry pitter makes this faster; otherwise you'll have to dig the pits out with a knife or look up a trick online.

2. Step 2:

   

   Run the pitted cherries through a meat grinder or chop them in a blender. Do this straight in the pot you'll cook them in — it should be wide, so the surface area for evaporation is as large as possible.

3. Step 3:

   

   Set the pot of cherry purée over high heat. Bring to a boil and cook down for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you're worried it's scorching on the bottom, lower the heat.

4. Step 4:

   

   Add the baking soda to the cherries.

5. Step 5:

   

   The soda will react and the mixture will turn green — don't panic! Keep stirring and the color will go back to red.

6. Step 6:

   

   Add the sugar and cook for another 40 minutes — but now lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir the jam now and then! It should turn moderately thick. To check the consistency, drop a little onto a plate and see whether it runs or holds.

7. Step 7:

   

   Ladle the hot cherry jam into sterilized jars and seal with boiled lids. You can sterilize the jars in the microwave, like I do: pour a little water in the bottom and microwave for 2–3 minutes at 800 watts.

8. Step 8:

   

   Wrap the jars in a towel and let them cool. Store at room temperature in any dark place.

9. Step 9:

   

   Enjoy :)