Marmalade

Every year for the past 4 years I have made my dad marmalade for his birthday on the first of August.  I am running a bit late this year because the fruit on their tree wasn’t ripe when I went to visit.  I have since sourced another supplier and will have the marmalade made in time for father’s day.  Dad is the dad who doesn’t like to receive presents and is happy with a block or two of chocolate but his daughter’s homemade marmalade is even better.  I make it just to his liking, nice and chunky and still quite tart in taste.

I’m all about giving presents that are made with love. This year for Christmas I am planning on making some fruit jams for my friends and neighbours along with some shortbread or mini Christmas cakes.

My Marmalade recipe

4 large Grapefruit
2 Large Lemons
3.5 Litres of water
10 cups of sugar, approx 2.5 kgs

Slice and chop the grapefruit and lemons into the desired size, depending on whether you like smooth or chunky marmalade.  I leave mine quite chunky and soak in the water overnight.

Boil until the fruit and water is soft and pulpy, then allow to cool so you can measure the volume of pulp.  Most recipes call for equal volumes of sugar, eg 12 cups of pulp suggests that you add 12 cups of sugar but as I like my marmalade tart I only add 10 cups of sugar.  Bring all the mixture back to the boil and boil rapidly until setting point is reached.  At this point remember to stir regularly otherwise the sugar will burn to the bottom of the pot. You can also taste it at this point to see if you like the flavour, but be careful not to burn your tongue.

Pour into sterilised jars, seal, label and enjoy.