Clementine & Cointreau marmalade

Method

• step 1

  Scrub clementines in warm soapy water, rinse, then halve and squeeze juice into a large pan. Scoop out the pulp and any seeds, then tie in the muslin, as before. Shred the peel. Add both to the pan with the lemon juice and water, then leave to steep overnight.

• step 2

  Put the pan over a medium heat and bring up to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until the peel is soft, about 30-45 mins. Squeeze as much liquid from the muslin bag as possible. Discard the bag. Weigh the mixture – you should have around 1.15kg.

• step 3

  Put the pan over a low heat, then add the sugar. Heat gently until sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally, then bring up to a good rolling boil. Cook for 15 mins, then check for a set (see Step 5). If not at setting point, boil (see Know how) for a further 2 mins and check again. Repeat until setting point has been reached.

• step 4

  Add Cointreau, taking care, as marmalade will bubble up. Allow to stand for 15 mins or until beginning to thicken. Transfer to sterilised jars, then seal.

• step 5

  To test the setting point: take the pan off the heat and allow the bubbles to subside. Take a plate from the freezer and spoon a little liquid onto the plate, then return to the freezer for 1 min. Push the marmalade along the plate with your finger. If setting point has been reached then the marmalade surface will wrinkle slightly and the marmalade won’t run back straight away. If it’s not at setting point, return to the heat and boil again for 2 mins before re-testing. Repeat until setting point is reached. If you have a sugar thermometer, setting point is reached at 105C, but it’s good to do the plate test as well.