Banana Jam
2 1/4 lb Bananas, peeled weight
3 1/4 c Sugar
1 Lemon
1/2 c Water
Boil the sugar and water in a large, heavy saucepan for 3-4 minutes. Sieve the peeled bananas into a large bowl containing the lemon juice. Mix quickly and then add to the sugar syrup in the pan while it is still hot. Time is of the essence if the bananas are not to discolor.
Boil the jam gently, stirring all the time as it can stick and burn very easily.
As soon as the jam has thickened sufficiently, pour it into warmed jars and sprinkle a pinch of extra sugar on the surface of the hot jam before sealing tightly and sterilizing for about 10 minutes. Keep in a cool, dark place.
Note: Banana jam is high in nutritional value but will only keep well if perfectly sound, ripe fruit have been chosen and great care taken in its preparation.



Berry Christmas Jam
3 c Fresh cranberries
1 md Seedless orange, peeled and quartered
1 pk (10 oz) frozen sliced strawberries, slightly thawed
1/4 ts Ground cloves
1/4 ts Ground cinnamon
4 c Sugar
1/2 c Water
1 Pouch (3 oz) liquid fruit pectin
In a food processor, combine the cranberries and orange quarters; process until coarsely chopped. Add strawberries, cloves and cinnamon; process until mixture is finely chopped. In a heavy large saucepan, combine fruit mixture, sugar and water until well blended. Stirring constantly over low heat, cook two minutes. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in liquid pectin. Stirring constantly, bring to a rolling boil again and boil one minute. Remove from heat; skim off foam. Pour into heat resistant jars with lids. Makes about 3 pints of jam.

Eggplant Jam
3 md Eggplants (3 lb total)
Salt
7 tb Oil, olive
3 Garlic cloves; minced
2 ts Paprika, sweet
1 1/2 ts Pepper, Cayenne or
1/8 ts Harissa
Pepper; freshly ground
3 -to 4 tb Lemon juice, fresh
1 tb Parsley; chopped
3 Lemon wedges or
3 Tomato wedges
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the stems off the eggplants. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, peel the skin in 1/2 inch wide strips vertically down each eggplant so you get a striped effect. Slice each eggplant horizontally into 1/2 inch slices. Place in a colander and salt each slice. Let stand 30 minutes, then rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.
Brush a baking sheet with 3 tablespoons of the oil. Lightly brush the eggplant slices with 2 tablespoons oil and place in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the slices are light golden brown on both sides.
Transfer the eggplant to a bowl and, using a fork or potato masher, mash with the garlic, paprika, cumin, water and cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Add the mashed eggplant and fry very slowly, turned occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the moisture evaporates. Stir in the lemon juice and cook 1 minute longer. Taste, and season with salt and pepper, if needed.
Place the eggplant on a platter and garnish with parsley and lemon or tomato wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature. This eggplant spread has a jam like consistency. It is made all over North Africa, but this version, with garlic, cumin and lemon juice is one of the most flavorful. Serve it with warm country-style bread or pita.
see mores

http://homeandhouseaffairs..com