Autumn harvest Apple Jam

One of my favorite things to do is
making Jam with seasonal fruits.

I love the smell of fruit cooking on the stove top in my kitchen, that makes me happy.

Using seaonal fruits also makes me feel connected with the seasons.
 

Apple jam is one of the jams that I make every year.
 Any kind of apples are fine but I prefer to use Fuji.

Fuji holds up well after cooking

and has a very good balance of acid and sweet.

Since I was  child fuji has been my most favorite apple!




I like to use brown sugar in the apple jam

and I use a little less than the usual amount.

Love love to eat this jam with toast!!
It is soooooooooo yummyyyyyy!!!!!



<RECIPE>

4 apples (Fuji preferred)

2 cups of brown sugar

4~6 cloves

4~5 slices of lemon (If you use a sour apple, like Granny Smith, then use less lemon.)

1) Peel the apples and cut into quarter-rounds. If you prefer a mushier texture, you can cut the apples thinner. 

2) Place the apples, brown sugar, cloves and lemon into a pot and simmer over low heat.
You could also use cinnamon but I prefer cloves. Cloves add some kick to the jam.

"Cloves have a long history as an anti-bacterial and odor eliminator.
They have a sweet and pungent scent and go well with fruits. They are often used for compote, hot wine, etc.
If you have extra cloves, you can toss a handful into your cupboard to prevent bugs. Or you also can put them in a small pouch in your shoes to reduce odors."

3) Turn the heat to medium as the apples release some juice.

4) Mix the apples from the bottom of the pot so that they don't stick to the pot. 

    Skim the residue if needed. 

5) Continue to cook until the mixture thickens (about 20 minutes).

At this point, it can be a bit runny since it will thicken as it cools down.

6) Pour the jam into a sterilized canning jar, put on the lid and flip the jar upside down until it cools.

7) Refrigerate to store.

And enjoy with your toast in the morning!!

 

Or enjoy with your wine at night♡

 

with your favorite blue cheese and sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

Enjoy while the apples are in season.!