Fragrant Apple and Blackberry Jam

• Bramley apples500g g

  peeled, cored, quartered and cut into 2 cm pieces

• lemon↗1

  juiced

• blackberries↗500g g

  fresh or frozen

• granulated sugar↗1kg kg

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Place two small plates in the freezer — they will be needed to test the jam’s readiness. Put the apples into a heavy saucepan, add the lemon juice and 250 ml of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–8 minutes until the apples become soft.

2. 2

   Add the blackberries and sugar, stir. Cook over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves; then increase the heat to medium and cook for 30–35 minutes until the jam thickens and leaves no trace on the spoon.

3. 3

   To test for doneness, remove one of the frozen plates, spread a little jam on it. If it sets and wrinkles appear when you run a finger over the surface, the jam is ready.

4. 4

   Using a funnel, pour the jam into a sterilized jar. Let it cool, then seal tightly with the lid. In the refrigerator, it will keep in the sealed sterile jar for up to six months.