Loquat Jam

Loquat trees are all over Southern California where I live, yet are often overlooked. The loquats make a wonderfully fragrant jam and are worth harvesting! If you have a loquat tree, wait until the loquats are yellow before picking. Once the jam cooks long enough, the loquats turn a lovely orange-pink color. This is wonderful on buttered toast, but my favorite way to enjoy it is with some salty cheese.

Step: 1

Combine loquats and sugar in a nonreactive saucepan. Let sit at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until loquats macerate and release their juices, about 3 hours.

Step: 2

Inspect two 8-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water. Place a couple of small plates in the freezer.

Step: 3

Bring loquats to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step: 4

Blend fully or partially with an immersion blender, depending on how chunky you prefer your jam to be. Return pureed loquats to the stove and bring to a boil. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.

Step: 5

Test to make sure the jam is set by dropping a small amount of jam onto a frozen plate. Push with your finger; jam is ready when it wrinkles. If it’s still runny, bring back to a boil and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then test again.

Step: 6

Ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars and seal. Allow to cool to room temperature and store in the refrigerator.

Per Serving: 230 calories; protein 0.3g; carbohydrates 59.4g; fat 0.1g; sodium 0.8mg.

The most clear way to pick a side dish is to look at your main dish (pasta, chicken, seared tofu) and pick more different. When you’re cooking pasta, go for a simple vegetable . Made steak? Go for something light. If you’re making stir-fry with rice, it must not a best idea to adjust with make a rice salad.

This also can apply to cooking method . You don’t want to overcommit your oven by making to do list three dishes at once in there, or be juggling four pans on the stovetop . But sometimes you can make a dish do more often .