Anise Cardamon Spiced Plum Jam

1. 1

   Put the plums and sugar in a non-reactive pot and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Be sure to stir regularly so that the fruit doesn't stick and burn to the bottom of the pot. Cook for around 5 minutes, until the juice covers the fruit.

2. 2

   Remove from the heat and pour into a strainer or mesh colander over a large bowl. Give the fruit a stir to drain as much of the juice as possible. Don't worry about being gentle - it's OK to smash up the fruit a bit.

3. 3

   Set the fruit aside in the strainer (I suggest leaving it over the bowl to capture any late breaking juice). Return the juice to the pot and boil over high heat. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat a touch and simmer, stirring often until the juice is thick & syrupy - about 10-15 minutes.

4. 4

   Return the plums and any spare juice to the pan. Add the lemon juice and spices and bring to a simmer. Stir very frequently until the mixture is thick and ''jammy' - around 15 minutes. As it thickens, the jam will spew hot bubbles when you stir - so stand back. Take it from burned hand girl.

5. 5

   Be sure you have some hot, buttered toast here - you'll want a taste, or two! Ladle hot jam into hot, sterilized jars - I like the 4 oz. jars, ideal for sharing! Center a lid on top, screw on a jar ring until just finger tight. Process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes. When you remove them from the pot, check that they seal within 1 hour then resist moving them for 24 hours. Resist.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.