Jams

We're eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners at tonight's Good Food Awards (and to try all the exceptional winning products). In the meantime, here's an inside look at the judging process, as well as a few jam tasting tips.

I hold onto the belief that sugar makes me sweet, and have long held a soft spot in my heart for jams, jellies, and fruit preserves. So, when I was invited to help judge the preserves category for this year's Good Food Awards, I signed up with no reservations.

As one of 28 judges for the preserves category, I was assigned to the western US states, and along with three other judges blind tasted more than 30 varieties of preserves from this bountiful region, including the usual suspects (jams, jellies, marmalade, and preserves) as well as vinegars, verjus, and even a dried fruit bar or two. And while I can't share the winners with you 'til after tonight — I don't even know who won our category as it was a blind tasting — I gleaned a few tips and tricks for analyzing what makes a truly ribbon-worthy preserve.

Keep reading for the (unofficial) guidelines that I've learned to use to distinguish between a preserve that's good and one that's great.

Photo: Anna Monette Roberts

I'll admit to using several of these words interchangeably on a regular basis. For the longest time, I thought that if mashed-up fruit came in a jar, it was essentially all the same thing. But as it turns out, there is a difference between jam and jelly, and preserves and fruit butters. Upon learning what those differences are, I realized why I am typically drawn to one type of spreadable fruit preserve over another.

• Chutney: A relish of Indian origin that incorporates cooked fruit, spices, and herbs.
• Fruit butters: Whole or halved fruit (often unpeeled) is cooked down with sugar and/or spices and then pressed through a sieve or a food mill. Contrary to popular belief, there is no butter involved. The name refers to the spreadability of the resulting fruit. Also, it is differentiated by the fact that no gelling agent is used.

For more, keep reading.

A solid cranberry sauce recipe is a key component of any traditional Thanksgiving menu. It should be tart, jellylike, and balanced by sweetness — a counterpoint for serving alongside your turkey and side dishes. This cranberry sauce recipe is all of the above, plus it incorporates a bright addition of orange zest that adds to the flavor profile. It's incredibly simple, and although I usually enjoy it once a year, I can't help but think that it would be wildly delicious on toast or even with cheesecake. Keep on reading for the recipe.

After making a savory version of French toast topped with tomato jam last weekend, it occurred to me that, when preserved, tomatoes are well-suited for both sweet and savory applications, too. Tomatoes are technically fruit, and when they're ripe they possess a level of sweetness that rivals a sassy nectarine. This means the seedy red rounds are ideal contenders for a traditional fruit jam style, spread atop bread or toast. But unlike most fruits, tomatoes also register high in glutamic acid, an umami provider that contributes to a savory, rounded flavor — so they're just as dreamy when reduced to peppery, vinegar-tinged preserves, then served atop meat roasts or crackers.

Make the most of the tapering tomato supply by preparing either — or both — jams when you read more.

Even before his Emmy Award-winning show, Food Revolution, took America by storm, I was a fan of Jamie Oliver and his approachable recipes. So when I discovered he'd released a new line of pantry essentials, Jme, at Williams-Sonoma, I knew I had to find a way to get my hands on them.

With the new collection, the British chef aims to highlight the authentic food traditions of small-scale artisan producers. But are the pricey products actually any good? To find out, we tested the jams, jellies, preserves, and biscuits; see what we thought when you keep reading.

Our very own FabSugarUK attended some nuptials and brought back an edible gift idea that's brilliant. She had this to share in the Wedding Talk group in the YumSugar Community. I attended a wedding a few weeks ago and couldn't resist sharing these gorgeous place settings. The bride had made a pot of jam for all the guests and had names printed on them. They were then used as place settings! They had a fabric covering on the lid that was made from the same fabric as the bridesmaid dresses. So cute! It was a really nice personal touch.

Share pictures from a wedding you attended or helped host in our community! Your memories may be featured here on YumSugar.