The Cottage Smallholder

For all those who fancy giving it a try..I was luck the other day and got punnets of 6 nectarines for 55p, but to be honest this was so nice, that I would be tempted to buy some of those supermarket offer punnets for £1 another time to make it…I think the fruit needs to be ripe but not too soft.

1.3 kg nectarines

250ml water

Juice of 2 lemons

1.3kg granualted sugar

3 tbsp Amaretto ( or similar liqueur, maybe peach schnapps?)

Blanch necatarines in hot water briefly and peel & reserve skins. chop fruit and put in a pan with the 250ml water.

put skins and enough water to cover in a separate pan and boil gently for 20 mins to reduce, push resulting mush through a sieve  to get as much liquid through as possible and add to fruit and water.

Simmer for 20 mins or until soft.

Add lemon juice & sugar and heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved, bring to boil and cook for 10-15 mins – this is where you can test for a set and add PECTIN if you chose, I'd recommend it (I mixed a sachet of powdered pectin into about 8oz of apple juice, blitzed it with the stick blender and then poured it in, reboiled for 4 mins)

Piccy here

once you're happy you have a set,  then let it stand for 10 mins, remove scum if you must (I never do) stir in the Amaretto, pot up into warmed sterilizer jars and seal immediately.

Made 9 small jars