Strawberry Jam - Bread Machine Method

On every strawberry season, I'll make some jam using the bread machine.  The good thing for making jam is that you don't need very nice looking strawberry.  The odd one, such as the small one that may be too sour, or the one that is a little bruised and funny shaped are the best to making jam.  As I find that the jam made from the bread machine is a little too runny (that can be a good sauce with ice-cream).  I will bring it back to the stove, adding extra jam setta if needed until it becomes thicker to ready for bottle.  You can make it using the traditional method, cooking at the stove and stir until it is set if you're prepared to stand for an hour or two at the kitchen.  But just let me warn you that you'll need a big enough saucepan and get yourself cover so that the hot jam won't spat at you.  After all this work, homemade jam really taste the best!

It is overwhelming for the local businesses sponsoring the Pink Luncheon I'm holding for Breast Cancer.  For every business that I approach, they are all willing to donate some gift or gift voucher.  I think many of us will have be affected or know somebody that are affected by cancer and that we would all like do to our small part to make a cure for it.  We have raffles for fuel voucher, Gift Cards and door prizes ranged from baby goods, gym membership, dinner voucher and beauty product.  Now I just need people to come along and have a great time as well as bringing up the awareness.

Strawberry Jam
(make 2 small bottles)

Ingredients:
500g strawberries (hulled and chopped)
1 2/3 cup white sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons Jam Setta, 1/2 tablespoon extra if needed
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Method:

1. Put strawberries, sugar,jam setta and lemon juice into the bread machine, select to "Jam" and press "start." 
2. Clean the glasses with soapy water.  Turn the glasses and lid upside down into the 120c oven for about 10 minutes or until all the water is dried out.  This process sterilise the bottle.
3. Pour the jam into a medium size saucepan, add in 1/2 tablespoon of jam setta if needed and let it boils for 5 minutes and stir ocassionally.  To test the jam is set by placing 1 tablespoon of hot jam over a very cold plate, if it crinkle within 30 second then the jam is set.  (If the jam is already set from the bread machine, omit the extra jam setta and pour the jam into bottle straight away)
4. Brush the transparent preserve cover with lemon juice or vinegar, place the wet side up and seal the bottle.  When the jam is cold, put the jam in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

Tips:  You can add a teaspoon of vanilla essence into the bottle and then rinse off to get rip of the odour.