Mulled Wine / "Gluehwein" Jam

Method

• step 1

  Peel and core apples; then cut into cubes. (de-stone the plums)

• step 2

  Add all ingredients to a tall pot (be careful, jam tends to rise a lot whilst boiling!) and bring to the boil. Stir occasionallyl.

• step 3

  Put a small saucer into the freezer (it will make sense soon...)

• step 4

  Once bubbling, leave to boil vigorously for about 50min. To test whether the jam has "set", take a teaspoon full and drizzle it onto the cold saucer. If you can touch the surface after a few seconds and it doesn't run when tilting the saucer, it has set. If not, keep boiling for another minute and then test it again.

• step 5

  Once it has set, remove the cloves, vanilla pod and cinnamon stick (if using). If you like a smooth jam, you can now blend it.

• step 6

  Skim any scum that has risen to the surface and fill the jam into 4 sterilized jars.

• step 7

  Close the jars and place them upside down for about 15min (this ensures that the lids create a tight vacuum). Merry Christmas!

• step 8

  If you've sterilised and sealed your jars properly the jam should last for up to a year unopened. Once opened, store in the fridge.