HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY JAM

Prep 15 mins | Cook 90 minutes | Makes approximately 700ml

1-kilo strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
500g sugar
¹⁄₄ cup (60ml) lemon juice

Step 1 Before starting the jam, put a small plate in the freezer.

Step 2 Combine strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a large saucepan over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3 When you can no longer feel the grains of the sugar, turn the heat up to a rolling boil, stirring continuously. If you see the jam rising, turn the heat down slightly.

Step 4 Boil hard for around 90 minutes until the jam has thickened and any foam has disappeared. To check if the jam is at setting point, place a teaspoon of jam onto the chilled plate. Freeze for 1-2 minutes then run your finger through the jam. If the surface wrinkles and jam stays in 2 portions, it’s ready to spot into a jar. If not, cook for another 2-5 minutes until the jam reaches setting point.

Step 5 Before spooning the jam into jars, leave it to settle for 10-15 minutes while you sterilise your jars.

Step 6 Pour the jam into warm jars, just below the rim. Store in a cool, dry place and use within 12 months. Refrigerate once opened.

Nikoletta’s Kitchen: English Scones Recipe

400g self raising flour
1 level teaspoon baking powder
20g butter
30g sugar
1 egg
125 ml cream
125 ml milk
1 egg yolk to glaze

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 200C fan.

Step 2 Combine flour and butter and rub until you get a breadcrumb consistency.

Step 3 Add sugar, beaten egg, milk and cream and mix until mixture is combined - be careful not to over-mix. It will be very sticky but this is a good thing.

Step 4 Pour the dough mixture onto a well-floured surface and lightly pat dough until it’s about an inch thick.

Step 5 Cut into rounds with a scone cutter and place onto a baking tray with baking paper

Step 6 Glaze the top of each scone with egg yolk and bake in a very hot oven for 12-15 minutes.

Step 7 Cool on a wire rack and enjoy with homemade jam and cream; jam first, though ;)

Good for you ... Strawberries

A good source of vitamin C which contributes to formation of collagen and thus plays a role in healthy gums, teeth, bones, cartilage and skin.

A source of folate, a B vitamin needed for normal blood formation.

Provide dietary fibre, which is important for the normal functioning of the intestine.

Also contain lutein, one of the carotenoid family that is involved in normal eye health.