Date and Fig Spread

Dates and dried figs have all the sweetness you need as a substitute for traditional sugar-laden fruit jams. Recipe makes 2 cups.

Ingredients:

1 cup seedless dates
1 cup dried figs
6 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice

Method:

1. Chop fruit finely.
2. Add to bowl, pour juice over, cover and soak overnight.
3. Spoon into blender or food processor and blend for approximately 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Store, covered, in a jar in refrigerator.

Fresh Strawberry Jam

You can vary this easy low-sugar preserve by using other berry fruits instead of strawberries. Recipe is suitable to microwave and makes 1 cup.

Ingredients:

8 ounces (250 g) strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 level teaspoon gelatin soaked in 1 1/2 tablespoons water
2 sachets Equal or other artificial sweetener equivalent to 4 level teaspoons sugar

Method:

1. Place strawberries in saucepan with water and lemon juice.
2. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes, or microwave on High for 5 minutes.
3. Mash fruit slightly and stand for 10 minutes.
4. Dissolve gelatin according to instructions on packet, add to fruit.
5. Stir in sweetener.
6. Pour into a clean hot jar. Cover, cool and refrigerate.

Dried Apricot Conserve

You can vary this easy yet delectable jam by using a dried fruit medley, dried peaches or dried pears. You can also replace the cloves with fresh or ground ginger. Recipe makes 1 cup.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried apricots
Juice of 1 orange
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch ground cloves
1/2 cup warm water

Method:

1. Chop apricots roughly.
2. Combine in mixing bowl with juice, spices, and water. Cover. Allow to stand for 1 hour.
3. Spoon into saucepan and cook gently for 10 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to combine. Alternatively, spoon into a bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir two to three times during cooking until mixture thickens and starts to combine.
4. Spoon into container, cover and cool.
5. Stir again, adding a little more water if necessary, then refrigerate until ready to use.

To store, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Onion Jam

A delicious side dish accompaniment - particularly when served with fried Camembert. Jam can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month. Recipe makes about 4 cups.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 pound (1 kg) brown onions, finely sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
8 ounces (250 g) raw sugar
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 3/4 cups (15 fl oz/430 ml) red wine

Method:

1. Heat oil in large saucepan and cook onion over low heat, stirring occasionally, until very soft but not browned.
2. Stir in spice and sugar and stir over low heat for 30 minutes.
3. Add vinegar and wine and cook over low heat for about 60 minutes or until most of the liquid is evaporated and the mixture is of a jam consistency. Spoon into hot sterilized jars and seal while hot.