Low Sugar Strawberry Jam

I must admit I’ve had ongoing issues with making jam.  I could never bring myself to use the required amount of sugar to get it to set and never mastered the use of pectin.  But thanks to Jo at Quirky Cooking I’ve found a recipe that’s low in sugar, sets like jelly and most importantly really tastes like strawberries!

And what better way to enjoy them than on our weekend special ricotta hotcakes – made this morning with spelt and flaxseeds.  Veggie daddy said they were the best yet.  After an early morning bike ride to the beach the kids enjoyed them too!

And it's getting into strawberry season so if can grow them or pick them at a berry farm you'll be in for a treat with this yummy jam!

Low Sugar Strawberry Jam

500g strawberries

150g rapadura (or other sweetner)

1 tsp agar agar powder (or 1 tbls of flakes)

 Ensure you have 1-2 clean jars ready and place a saucer in the freezer for testing the jam

·         Place strawberries in Thermomix bowl and chop for 5 seconds on speed 4

·         Add sugar and agar agar and cook for 8 minutes on speed 2 at 100°

·         Test the jam by placing ½ tsp onto cold saucer.  When it is cool push the jam with your finger and it should wrinkle if ready.  If not, cook for a further 2 minutes then retest

·         Puree for a few seconds on speed 8 if a smoother jam if required

·         When ready, pour into 2 clean and rinsed jars, close lids and turn upside down to set for 10 minutes

·         Store in the fridge for 1 month  (if it lasts that long!)

Our Family Favourite Banana Bread

 

This banana bread is often half eaten before it even leaves the cooling rack.  And is adored by the whole family – just like a bunch of flowers from a lovely friend...

You can use 120g all butter but I find the coconut butter adds a nice lightness to the mix.

delicious straight from the oven.. often half is gone before it leaves the cooling tray!

Our Family Favourite Banana Bread

60g butter

60g coconut butter

70g raw sugar

2 tbls golden syrup

1 tsp vanilla

2 free range eggs

3-4 bananas

½ mc milk

250g SR flour

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp bicarb soda

• Add butters and sugar to Thermomix bowl and cream 10 sec speed 6, scrap down if needed and repeat

• Add golden syrup, bananas, eggs and vanilla and mix 10 sec speed 4

• Add flours and milk and mix 10 sec speed 4
• Bake 180° for 50 min in a lined loaf tin