I know, I'm crazy--I did just spend a post complaining about how hot it was, and how I didn't feel like cooking because turning on the stove or oven was just too hot. So what do I do? I make jam. JAM. I've never made jam before! I don't have any canning equipment. Well, let me tell you something--making jam is very hot work, even if it has cooled off here (the high today is a mere 81--yay!). But I had a glut of peaches to deal with and needed to clear some space in the fridge (more veggies tomorrow!).
And I have to say, I am totally in love with the idea of making jam now. Yes, it does take some time, and yes it is hot work, but gosh, it is SO COOL when you hear that loud ping confirming your jar has sealed. I used about 8 peaches (480 grams once they were peeled, pitted, and sliced) and just under half the weight in sugar, plus the juice of a lemon and a handful of candied ginger. No pectin, because I didn't have any, and for jars, I used one canning jar I had on hand and an empty jam jar for the rest (I wasn't sure if that was proper canning procedure, but it did seem to seal correctly, so I guess it's okay.) I was a bit worried about whether it would set without pectin, but it did! Okay, it's a little softer than storebought jam, but that's okay. I may try again with pectin if we get another plethora of peaches this week...
But for now, I'm pretty happy with this! I'm eating my own, homemade jam on (not homemade) toast and I feel remarkably happy for a Monday morning...
