I'm excited to reveal that tomorrow, at 7pm UK time and 2pm New York time, I will be participating in the New York Times Recipe Lab live video chat with Kevin West (who wrote Saving the Season), Julia Moskin from the NYT and two other readers.
We'll be chatting about the recipe for Blueberry Jam from Kevin's book (which we've all made) and preserving in general. I've really enjoyed finding out a bit about the differences between UK and US jam making and I'm looking forward to finding out more tomorrow.
I found the Recipe Lab series a few weeks ago and quickly watched all of the episodes (some of my favourites were Ottolenghi, Deborah Madison and Nigella). It's lovely to see cookbook authors chatting casually about their work. On the off chance, I filled the reader participation form in last week and was very surprised to be called an hour or so later.
I've now made the jam twice, once in Oxford last week and then again in Switzerland today (I flew out last night). The recipe for the jam is here. For those that work in metric, I used 1.36kg of blueberries, 600g sugar and 120 ml of water (the second time I made a half recipe).
So if you're interested in preserving and jam or just want to check out my accent and mannerisms (my usual motivation for watching videos of bloggers I follow), then you can either watch live on the NYT Dining Section site or catch up with the video later - I'll update with a link to the video as soon as I can.
UPDATE: the video of the chat is embedded below.
Three other posts that involve preserves:
2010: Ginger and Apple Jam
2012: Seville Orange Marmalade
2013: Strawberry Jam (with a touch of lime)
i can not wait to see your video post! I am sure you will be great. I have never had us jam (jelly) in my life, I have always used the UK technique (maybe because I am from Australia. I will be very keen to find out your guys secrets to great fruit preserves!
ReplyDeleteOh, this sounds fascinating! I think I'll still be at work when it's on live but I'll definitely catch the video. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things it would be good to discuss is how much sugar you need in a jam. It occurred to me making jam in the Languedoc this summer that Mediterranean fruit is probably very different from northern European fruit. Also whether it's best to use preserving sugar with added pectin or straight granulated sugar. As a new jam-maker I find it hard to strike the right balance between not having the jam over-sweet and not letting it become over-cooked in order to achieve a set.
ReplyDeleteI love making jam more than eating it, but of the jams that I have no problems devouring, blueberry is one them! I am intrigued too about what Fiona has mentioned - getting that balance between sweetness and a good set, I'm personally always for less sweet when possible. I've never used pectin other than naturally (i.e. a good squeeze of lemon, as it seems Kevin uses too). Good luck on the Recipe Lab - exciting times! I'll be sure to watch the video. x
ReplyDeleteOh how fun! I'll miss the live episode, but will definitely watch it later. Blueberry jam carried me through my final year exams in Cape Town, and I've struggled to find one in the UK that matches up to that taste memory. I'm going to have to try making it myself.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so exciting! I can't wait to watch!
ReplyDeleteI just watched the Recipe Lab video: I learned so much! I've always been intimidated of canning, as the equipment alone seemed daunting and complicated. I had NO idea canning could be accomplished without a water bath. I think I'll have to give it a go now. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the Recipe Lab before so this was an interesting read. There is always so much to discover around food and cooking. The jam sounds great. I just wish blueberries weren't so expensive in the UK.Is it the same in Switzerland? They appear to be very cheap in the States yet even when home-grown they cost a small fortune here. I made some blackberry and apple jam last year - very cheap as the blackberries were from the hedgerows where I walk my dog and the apples were from a neighbor's tree! Hey, maybe that means I can justify the cost of blueberries from a PYO farm for a one of half batch of this jam! Love the simplicity of the labels on your jars. Enjoy the Recipe Lab and congratulations on getting a place.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to hear about the American way of canning! Even though I've lived there, I never knew that the American approach is so different to ours (European).
ReplyDeletePS: I've finally caved and bought Salt Sugar Smoke, your adaptions from it were just too beautiful! So much for my ban on buying more cookbooks...
Before the talk I thought that Americans called our jam jelly but from the talk it seems they have the same distinction as we do. What types of jam do you like to make? I hope you enjoy the video, I've embedded it above.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathryn! I hope you enjoy watching it - I had a lot of fun. Though listening to myself is weird - my voice doesn't sound like that in my head...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pointers, Fiona - we did cover the amount of sugar and pectin in the chat. The variation in the fruit definitely makes a difference. In Kevin's book he talks about 'reading' the fruit and adjusting the recipe to suit that particular batch.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that blueberry isn't my favourite jam to eat - not that I don't like it, but there are others I love more. We chatted quite a bit about sugar and pectin in the end. Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI imagine that the blueberries might be particularly good in Cape Town (not sure why, but I do!). I've embedded the video above. Do let me know what you think if you make it.
ReplyDeleteIt was really exciting! I've embedded it above if you haven't seen it yet :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased the chat made the process seem simpler! I hope you do try it - I'd love to know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome Emma! So interesting what you had the opportunity to do.
ReplyDeleteMy first persevere was a spiced cloudy apple jam. I like to make rhubarb jam as this is unpopular flavour in Australia but I love it. so informative! thanks for posting it
ReplyDeleteEmma, so fun to see your adorable face on the NY Times video! I'm really glad that you brought in the perspective of a European jammer. Our obsession with canning safety in the US is so extreme that many people are intimidated by preserving, when in fact it is such an easy and deeply satisfying undertaking.
ReplyDeletexoxo to you from Berkeley,
E
So nice to hear your opinions on canning, Emma! And congrats on the feature :)
ReplyDeleteThey are expensive in Switzerland, yes. It's a shame. I love picking apples from my tree and getting wild blackberries too - so delicious and cheap. Glad you found the chat interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting to compare, isn't it! Hope you enjoy the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paula! It was great fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame, it must be so intimidating. I hope you're preserving some of that beautiful California bounty at the moment! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Kiran - it was a great experience.
ReplyDeleteIt really is!
ReplyDeleteLoving the book, I've already made the Apricot Vanilla Jam and it is divine.
Thanks for the book recommendation!
hello viewer am bruno am a Nigeria but base
ReplyDeletein Canada. I have a hard life trying to work all day to
be famous in life, but noting was working out as
planed so i meet my course mate whom i actually
ask anything from but i did not know he was a
illuminati member. So i told him i want to be rich
like him because i was jealous. And he told me if
am serious i told him yes and he told me he is a
illuminati member and he gave me this email
Orderilluminati14@gmail.com now am a full
member i can boost of one million USD in my
account am living a good life. I can even send
money to my home country now. Contact that great
temple orderilluminati14@gmail.com or cal
+2348156671857.
hello viewer am Bruno am a Nigeria but base
ReplyDeletein Canada. I have a hard life trying to work all day to
be famous in life, but noting was working out as
planed so i meet my course mate whom i actually
ask anything from but i did not know he was a
illuminati member. So i told him i want to be rich
like him because i was jealous. And he told me if
am serious i told him yes and he told me he is a
illuminati member and he gave me this email
Orderilluminati14@gmail.com now am a full
member i can boost of one million USD in my
account am living a good life. I can even send
money to my home country now. Contact that great
temple orderilluminati14@gmail.com or cal
+2348156671857.
JOIN THE ILLUMINATI CALL+2348139730141 OR info. templeakana@gmail.com@
ReplyDeletegmail.com
JOIN THE ILLUMINATI FROM NIGERIA, USA, OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TODAY BE
RICH, FAME, AND POSSES POWER.email us on info. templeakana@gmail.com OR
call us on +2348139730141 for immediate initiation New members registration
is now open online now !!!!!
BENEFITS GIVEN TO NEW MEMBERS WHO JOIN ILLUMINATI.
A Cash Reward of USD $30,000 USD
A New Sleek Dream CAR valued at USD $7,000 USD
A Dream House bought in the country of your own choice
One Month holiday (fully paid) to your dream tourist destination.
One year Golf Membership package
A V.I.P treatment in all Airports in the World
A total Lifestyle change
Access to Bohemian Grove
Monthly payment of $10,000 USD into your bank account every month as a
member
One Month booked Appointment with Top 5 world Leaders and Top 5 Celebrities
in the World.
If you are interested call the agent now +2348139730141 or send your e-mail
to info.templeakana@gmail.com for immediately initiation.New members
registration is now open online
JOIN REAL ILLUMINATI WORLDWIDE.......Hello,i am Dr TONY from USA,i am one of the Agents sent
ReplyDeleteby the Lord superior (Grand master) to bring as many of those who
are interested in becoming a
member of the great iIluminati order,am a business man,i
own a Construction company
in France and i also own one of the Biggest Electronic Appliance shop in Accra Ghana
and my family now lives in USA.I was
once like you,me & my wife were financially down to 1 square meal a day,
what kind of life was that to live,i
lived in poverty until i saw an opportunity to be a member of the
GREAT ILLUMINATI BROTHERHOOD and
I took my chances and i have been a
member for close to 8 years
now.The
higher you get the richer you
become.
Illuminati
makes your business grow faster than you can ever imagine,Illuminati
brings out the talent in you and make you famous,as you become a member of
Illuminati order you will receive 6,000,000 US DOLLARS instantly on your Bank
Account immediately afetr your initiation,these and
many more
other benefits you stand to gain,so if you are
interested to be a member contact us via
NOTE; JOINING THE ILLUMINATI BRINGS YOU INTO THE
LIMELIGHT OF THE WORLD IN
WHICH YOU LIVE IN TODAY. YOUR FINANCIAL
DIFFICULTIES ARE BROUGHT TO AN
END. WE SUPPORT YOU BOTH FINANCIALLY AND
MATERIALLY TO ENSURE YOU LIVE
A COMFORTABLE LIFE. IT DOES NOT MATTER
WHICH
PART OF THE WORLD YOU
LIVE IN.
FROM THE UNITED STATES DOWN TO THE MOST
REMOTE PART OF THE EARTH, WE
BRING YOU ALL YOU WANT.
BEING AN ILLITERATE OR A LITERATE IS NOT A
BARRIER TO BEING A
MILLIONAIRE BETWEEN TODAY AND THE NEXT TWO
WEEKS.
YOU BEING IN THIS OUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE TODAY
SIGNIFIES THAT IT WAS
ORDERED AND ARRANGED BY THE GREAT LUCIFER
THAT FROM NOW ON, YOU ARE
ABOUT TO BE THAT REAL AND INDEPENDENT
HUMAN YOU HAVE ALWAYS WISHED YOU
WERE.
WE DON’T DISCRIMINATE IF YOU ARE WHITE OR
BLACK. SEND AN EMAIL TO:great illuminatisacredtemple@gmail.com
JOIN US TODAY & BECOME RICH,POWERFUL AND FAMOUS ALL YOUR LIFE.
Sign;illuminatiorder
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,$$$$$$$,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,$$$$$$$$
,,,$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$
,,$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$
,,$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$
,,$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$
,,,$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$
,,,,$$$$$$$$,,,,,,$$$$
,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$
$$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$
,$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$
,,$$$$$$$,,,,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$
,,,$$$$$$$$,,,,,,,$$$$,,,,,,$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$
JOIN THE GREAT ILLUMINATI AND GET RICH WE PROVED MONEY TO PEOPLE THAT ARE MEMBER SO WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN NOW BY BY TO POVERTY AND GET 18MILLION AFTER INITIATION CALL GREAT MAN IN NIGERIA +2348108060242I am one of the agents sent by the high priest to bring as many of those who are interested in becoming a member of the Illuminati to the great Illuminati temple,am a traditional herbalist healer and no problem without a solution to me but I was ones like you I could not evening feed my family what kind of life was that to live I lived in poverty until I saw an opportunity to be a member of the great Illuminati brotherhood and I took my chances and I have been a member for close to three years now and the higher you get the richer you become. Illuminati makes your business grow\ to get more powers successful luck love attraction money and many more other benefits so this my contact me on or 666greatilluminati@gmail.com you we control money and people we start bagging you for money to get a business
ReplyDeleteJOIN THE GREAT ILLUMINATI AND GET RICH WE PROVED MONEY TO PEOPLE THAT ARE MEMBER SO WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN NOW BY BY TO POVERTY AND GET 18MILLION AFTER INITIATION CALL GREAT MAN IN NIGERIA +2348108060242I am one of the agents sent by the high priest to bring as many of those who are interested in becoming a member of the Illuminati to the great Illuminati temple,am a traditional herbalist healer and no problem without a solution to me but I was ones like you I could not evening feed my family what kind of life was that to live I lived in poverty until I saw an opportunity to be a member of the great Illuminati brotherhood and I took my chances and I have been a member for close to three years now and the higher you get the richer you become. Illuminati makes your business grow\ to get more powers successful luck love attraction money and many more other benefits so this my contact me on or 666greatilluminati@gmail.com you we control money and people we start bagging you for money to get a business
ReplyDeleteWalker Icer.
ReplyDeletemy name is walker i am an agent of Illuminati well call it church of Satan just be rest assured that fame,riches,popularity,wealth will not be a problem once you become one of us all you ever need is to contact me on walkericerilluminati@gmail.com what you ever need will be given only if you have the heart.Just try to get in touch with me at walkericerilluminati@gmail.com and i will lead you successfully i am waiting thanks.
my mobile number..08136452252