Seville Orange Marmalade

[Hazel at the Hill]

Ok, peeps - help me out, here!

First ever time making marmalade, and it appears to be going well so far. Simmering away in the pan are the slivers of peel from the oranges and then in a muslin bag thing is the pips and the pith also in the pan.

The marmalade book starts to get a bit vague on timings at this point tho' - 'simmer until the peel is tender'. I'm guessing that this will be about an hour, but can anyone confirm?

Then I get a bit worried about the whole adding sugar/stir to disolve/rolling boil till setting point bit. As a novice at this, I won't recognise when this is likley to be, BUT I've a jam thermometer - so how long (about) do I do the rolling boil for before it's likely to be ready - 5 mins? an hour?

[shirlthegirl43]

Right, I have never made marmalade but have dug out my trusted Good Housekeeping recipe book.

it says to simmer gently for about 2 hours until the peel is soft and the liquid reduced by half.

Remove the muslin bag.

Add the sugar and heat gently, stirring until it has dissolved. bring to the boil and boil the mixture rapidly for about 15 minutes.

Test for a set (saucer in the fridge or freezer, drop a bit of marmalade on it, leave 2 mins and push your finger through it - if it wrinkles you have a set) and when setting point is reached, take off the heat and remove scum.

leave to stand for 15 mins then stir gently to distribute peel. Pot and cover


Hope that helps, wish I could get seville oranges

[Hazel at the Hill]

Shirl my sweet you are an absolute lifesaver - thank you for taking the trouble to fish out the recipe! That gives me a good steer.

Peel has been simmering for about an hour and a half - tested peel at 1 hour and it was - like - a bit soft, but not disintigrating, so had a bit of a crisis of confidence!

Also VERY NEARLY made a massive boob - recipe calls for 3lb sugar, so I've bought 3 BAGS of sugar.....

Also, sterilising the jars in the oven on the lowest setting, and the lids in boiling water - that'll be ok, wont it?

[shirley]

i prefer to boil the oranges first to soften the skin. It is easier to cut the peel then

[shirlthegirl43]

Yikes, always double read the recipe!! No problem to type it up, the Good Housekeeping recipe book has a new home right next to the pooter!

Your jar sterilising sounds fine to me Hazel. You did put the jars into a cold oven didn't you? If I remember correctly from when my mum used to make marmalade, the peel goes sort of see-through when it is ready.

Ooh, really want to have a try at marmalade!!!

[scarey55]

Haze Darling - I made this once with oranges and lemons and it took about 3 weeks of rolling boil before it set.

I was beginning to panic after about half an hour but I kept going and it set in the end.

Just don't give up

[shirlthegirl43]

Haze Darling - I made this once with oranges and lemons and it took about 3 weeks of rolling boil before it set.

I was beginning to panic after about half an hour but I kept going and it set in the end.

Just don't give up

I found that when making apple jelly last year. Have now decided that like fudge and toffee, it needs you to be confident in your boiling and turn the heat up.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Haze Darling - I made this once with oranges and lemons and it took about 3 weeks of rolling boil before it set.

I was beginning to panic after about half an hour but I kept going and it set in the end.

Just don't give up

Now, y'see, I'm worried!

[shirlthegirl43]

Now, y'see, I'm worried!

Have a glass of your non vintage home brew and relax Hazel!

[scarey55]

Actually, I was just thinking - how cool is this,

I feel like I am in the kitchen with you and the others watching you make your marmalade with a glass of wine and chatting.

I just had a mental picture, that's all - Isn't this a great place.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Actually, I was just thinking - how cool is this,

I feel like I am in the kitchen with you and the others watching you make your marmalade with a glass of wine and chatting.

I just had a mental picture, that's all - Isn't this a great place.

Right - I'm going to take a few piccies so you can join in prop'ly...

[Hazel at the Hill]

Here you go!

[shirlthegirl43]

Like your pan Hazel. Doesn't look to be simmering much though

[scarey55]

Oh, niiiiice Hazel,

Loving the cleverley placed glass of non vintage red - Just for dramatic effect I'm sure Lovely jam pot too.

Anyone want a top up?

[Hazel at the Hill]

I thought that - turned the gas up now and it's chuckling away. Just tested peel again - still think it could do with a bit more....just weighing the sugar then will put in the oven to warm.