Strawberry, Grand Marnier and Blueberry Jam

Jam making seems to have developed into a bit of an obsession with me at the moment. I've scoured my book collection, blog sites and the web in general to source as many recipes and variations as I can, we're even running low on glass jars to store the finished product in, something Hubby never thought would happen!

While flicking through my bookshelf yesterday this recipe from the Barefoot Contessa's new book just begged to be made, and as I had all the ingredients already, I set about making it tonight after work. I wasn't quite so sure about the booze, would it over power the over flavours, would the jam set? It seems to have worked quite well, shame on me for ever doubting the Contessa herself!

Strawberry, Grand Marnier and Blueberry Jam

2 punnets fresh strawberries

3 cups caster sugar (you'll be pleased to know I didn't reach for the vanilla sugar on this occasion!)

1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut into a small dice

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Place the strawberries in a colander and rinse them under cold running water. Drain and hull the strawberries. Cut the larger berries in half or quarters and leave the small berries whole. Place the strawberries in a deep, heavy bottom pot (I used my Le Creuset) and toss them in the sugar and Grand Marnier.

Bring the berry mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Add the apple and blueberries and continue to keep the mixture at a rolling boil, stirring occasionally, until the jam reaches 220F, this should take 25-35 mins (I used my chocolate thermometer for this stage and sure to her words, it took me exactly 25 minutes to reach temp). Skim and discard any foam that rises to the top. Allow the mixture to cool to room temp and then store covered in the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for at least 2 weeks. To keep the jam longer, pack and seal in canning jars according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Makes 3 cups (I managed to fill a large jar and a small jar)

Adapted from Barefoot Contessa's 'Back to Basics'

The only changes I made came from necessity really. I'm not 100% sure what 3 pints of strawberries looks like and measuring them in my measuring jug wasn't very successful, so I just used what I had which was 2 punnets. The Granny Smith's are kind of on the small side at the moment so I added a whole one and I'm pretty sure I added more than 1/2 cup of blueberries too, not quite the whole punnet though. The recipe seems to be quite flexible though and is setting up nicely and it tastes pretty good too ;0)