Pump Up the Jam… and a Jammin’ Giveaway!!
It all started with a feeling of impending doom. Then the phone rang. It was the doorman announcing a delivery. “I’m not expecting any deliveries” i replied… “It’s from the Hamptons” he said. “Oh shit!” I answered, realizing it was this time of the year again. “Send it up..err.. i guess” i said, and waited anxiously by the elevator.
The elevator door opened to a mountain of fresh fruits and vegetables from Big Bossman’s gardens. I must have lost consciousness at that point because the next thing i remember is the floor of my kitchen covered with bags and coolers full of fresh produce. I don’t know if i should have laughed or cried…
Over the next few days i did my best to quickly use everything and made ratatouille with the vegetables, and tarts, pies, cobblers, chutneys, syrups, ice creams and sorbets with the fruit (that doesn’t leave me much time for blogging, does it?). A lot of fruit was eaten ‘as is’ of course and some more was given away to readers of this blog, some went to big bossman’s clients, and more went to charity. Next year, give me a stand at Union Square Market for chrissake!!
After doing all i could to use it all up more surprise deliveries kept creeping up on me, and I was returned to square one again and again… The enemy was advancing. I had to take the matter into my own hands and either shoot the gardeners or make jam. I choose the latter so last week, i made jam. And lots of it. Take THAT garden boy!! Ha!
The good news for you my friends is that one lucky winner will receive a jar of each of my experiments (i made three different kinds of jams). All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post and you’re entered to this jammin’ giveaway. A winner will be picked at random. Scroll down for more details.
For now, let’s pump it up my friends and let’s go over the making of peach-cardamon jam, sour cherry jam and an apricot jam that gets a kick from apricot pits and Beaumes-de-Venise. Take a deep breath, it won’t be easy but together we can do it, let’s pump up the jam!
Peach-Cardamon Jam
Ingredients:
4 pounds peaches, peeled and stoned
5 cups sugar
1 cup strained fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
1 tablespoon cardamon pods, crushed
Instructions:
Cut peaches into wedges about 1/2 inch thick, then cut each wedge in half crosswise. Transfer to a large bowl, add sugar and lemon juice and stir well. Let stand several hours (or overnight), stirring two or three times until sugar dissolves. Wrap the cardamon tightly in cheesecloth.
Transfer to a large pot, add the cardamon bring to a simmer over moderately high heat and simmer, skimming any white foam that collects on the surface, until peaches are tender and syrup thickens slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let rest several hours to “plump” the fruit. In other words, pump it up!
Cook for a couple minutes more over moderately high heat until it reaches 220°F. Or test for jamlike consistency by spooning a little onto a chilled saucer, then returning the saucer to the freezer for a couple of minutes to cool the syrup quickly. It should firm to a soft jelly consistency.
Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then spoon into clean, hot jars to within 1/2 inch from the top (the jars, the lids, the spoon and the tongs should be boiled for 10 minutes prior to using). Wipe rim clean with a towel dipped in hot water. Place lids and rings on jars and seal tightly (your fingers should never come in contact with the inside of the jar). Cool and refrigerate for up to 3 months. Or, for longer storage, sterilise them by placing just-filled jars in boiling water to cover by 1 inch and boil 15 minutes for half-pint jars, 20 minutes for pint jars. Transfer with tongs to a rack to cool; lids should form a seal. Sealed jars may be stored in a pantry for up to a year.
This one may be my favorite of the three, chunky peach jam perfumed with cardamon. They have great affinity for each other these two. Delicious on a slice of toasted brioche next to a cup of good coffee. Did you enter the giveaway, yet? Let’s move on to our next target… sour cherries!!
Chop about half the cherries and combine them all (whole and chopped) in a large stockpot. Add the sugar, the lemon juice and zest and turn the heat on to medium. Stir once in a while with a spatula. The cherries will release a lot of juice. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook while skimming the white foam.
Cook for 25 to 30 minutes over moderatly high heat until it reaches 220′F (don’t taste it at this point, you would burn yourself). Or test for jam-like consistency by spooning a little onto a chilled saucer then returning the saucer to the freezer for a couple of minutes to cool the syrup quickly. It should firm to a soft jelly consistency. Remove from the heat and let cool for several minutes. Stir in the kirsch. Follow same instructions as for the peach-cardamon jam for canning and sterilizing.
This one captures summer at its best. The season is so short for sour cherries that you will enjoy to have some jam on hand for those cold winter days. I love it on a toasted and buttered english muffin for breakfast… with another cup of coffee. Yum! Let’s move on to the last one. Apricot jam with hints of almonds and Beaumes-de-Venise…
Apricot Jam-Zen
4 pounds apricots, rinsed, halved, and pitted, pits reserved
3 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup Beaumes-de-Venise
Instructions:
Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then spoon into clean, hot jars to within 1/2 inch from the top (the jars, the lids, the spoon and the tongs should be boiled for 10 minutes prior to using). Wipe rim clean with a towel dipped in hot water. Place lids and rings on jars and seal tightly (your fingers should never come in contact with the inside of the jar). Cool and refrigerate for up to 3 months. Or, for longer storage, sterilise them by placing just-filled jars in boiling water to cover by 1 inch and boil 15 minutes for half-pint jars, 20 minutes for pint jars. Transfer with tongs to a rack to cool; lids should form a seal. Sealed jars may be stored in a pantry for up to a year.
Thick-and-bright-orange apricot jam that gets extra perfume from the pits and sweet wine. Delicious just as it is and not too sweet. I could eat it with a spoon right out of the jar. It’s hard to go back to supermarket jams after trying this. Do you want a taste?…
The giveaway! Yes, you heard me right. I will ship a trio of jams to ONE lucky winner. I think they are safe to travel since i sterilized them, i’ll make sure to pack them safely. If you want a taste just say Hi in the comment room and cross your fingers. The winner will be picked randomly and announced on this blog next monday or tuesday. No double entries or anonymous comments please. You have until Friday August 1st at midnight (Eastern Time) to enter this contest. Good luck to all!
Tags: Jam
July 28th, 2008 at 1:31 am
First! Damn! Ha ha ha.
Hi! *crosses fingers*
They all look so delicious (I just received a jar of Ann’s super orange-rhubarb marmalade, so I’m one happy ducky)! Hey, will we get to see any of the hundred desserts you made?
July 28th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Oooh I would *love* to win some of your delicious jam! The first jar I would crack open is the Apricot Zen-Jam.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:02 am
I just started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago after finding you on Twitter. I love your enthusiasm and bold type choices.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Oh my goodnessssss! I am playing the world’s smallest violin for you, Zen man.
LOL Your jams look just super delicious!
July 28th, 2008 at 3:51 am
Jam making is always one of those tasks that I think I’m going to enjoy much more than I actually do – yours has come out beautifully though!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:19 am
All I can find at any of my farmer’s markets is okra and watermelons, but I guess if I’m still stuck in San Antonio, the jam might be a good consolation prize? I love your blog and its been a real delight to see new posts popping up in my google reader.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:52 am
i love all these three jams specially they are your concoctions!! i hope i’ll be the winner..how much do i need to pay you to make me win??:-) heheh have a great week Zenchef
July 28th, 2008 at 5:30 am
I'm amazed that more people don't make peach & apricot jam..they are two of my favourites.
Bravo Monsieur Chef!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:28 am
::waves hands frantically::
I want some – I want some!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Holy hell I wanna be attacked like that!
Those look absolutely amazing and I’m going to clean out a spot in my fridge for a little good karma and encouragement of the jam Gods.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Bonjour precious! I would love to win your jam!!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:15 am
hihihihi!! *waves hand wildly*
I lafuuuu jam. *Drooling just looking at the pictures*
July 28th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Hi!
The jams look great–I’d like to see the ratatouille! I,too, was innundated with garden vegetables and made a whopping pot of gumbo. Got to love summertime
July 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am
I love giveaways, even though I never win anything
LOL I want some jam this time, it loosk just amazing! 
July 28th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Do you accept bribes?
July 28th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Simply awesome, dude. All three flavors are unique and will go great with just about anything.
Tell me you have a cherry pitter. If you sliced 5 cups of cherries and pitted them yourself, you are a saint, my man.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Me, Me …!!! Pick Me !!! i live in A F R I C A !!! i’ll never be able to make me a cherry or peach or apricot jam … its a 3rd world country … no fruit in abundance … only a handful of expensive teasers …
* puppy dog face *) I’ll mail you my add right away :p …r u sure you dont deliver personally ??? :p
July 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Okay, count me in… and if I win you can just bring them to me and Jack and I will buy you a drink here in hipsterville.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
oh yum! hope some of that awesome jam comes my way.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
wow, those are jammin jams, great combos. hope to taste for myself!
July 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Oh! What a delightful trick into making us read the entire post:P:-)Though I must confess I love the idea. And yes, I’d be even more delighted (ecstatic) to get a pack of the three jams. What beauties (your pics are too tempting!), the colours are just amazing, and the flavours, hmm….cardamom with peach….just perfect..and I had to google ‘Beaumes-de-Venise’:-) I like the use of lemon juice, we use fruit vinegar at home while making jams. Do enjoy your jams throughout the year:-)
July 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
you’ve been a busy Zen! Looks delicious tho
Smallest violin indeed!
July 28th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
*trying to pull myself out of a beautiful fruit jam induced trance…*
Those are gorgeous, Zen! And making my mouth water. Damn!
July 28th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
yum! i would LOVE one of those jams for my breakfast toast! they look delicious!
July 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
oh jam!!! That would be awesome!
looks so good!
July 28th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Zen Chef!!! I saw this and I cant breath!!!! ALL IS BEAUTY!! the fruits, the colours, the jams, maybe why we are in winter yet!! I feeling nostalgic about peaches!!Love allthis fruits!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxGloria (I made jams in the summer too)
July 28th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Oh I hope I win!!!!! I love homemade jam but being in the middle of moving I just don’t have the time to do it!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
ooh, yum! I want!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
My taste buds are tingling for that jam!
July 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Oh, pick me pick me pick me! I want the homemade jam from the master chef!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
This is so wonderful. A friend of mine just sent me Apricot jams from my apricot trees. So I still have a jar. However, I don’t really mind to win yours, especially I never tasted the one with “Beaumes-de Venise”
Cheers.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Ohhhhhh!!!! I like the sound of the sour cherry jam! Yum…… But they do all look good and so different!
Pick me, pick me!
Thanks for the Jean-George recipe!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
My eyes were all jammed up looking at your jam pixxies!Peach cardamon jam would be my number one favourite x
July 28th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
All three of those sound fantastic. In on random chance!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
okie…i am not good at this…i NEVER won the lottery despite the fact that i hardly buy lottery tickets…waitaminute….that didn’t sound right! lol…beautiful jammies, zenman, just gimme some! ehehehe
July 28th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
How can I have cheerios tomorrow morning when I know your jam exists? I agree, I can definitely pass the bread and eat these with a spoon. Pick me, tap tap over heere!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
you, my friend, are such a gem of a jammer…these jams are rockin’
July 28th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Just found this blog a few weeks ago and I’m loving the irreverent stories and wonderful recipes. Keep em coming! *crosses fingers, there’s no good stone fruits out my way*
July 28th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I will have that song in my head for the rest of the night… those jams looks awesome, please send them my way!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Fingers crossed, fingers crossed, fingers crossed!
Am trying the recipe for gateau basque tonight – wish me luck!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Lucky me that I should chance upon your blog when you’re having such a fantastic contest! Mmmmm homemade jam!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I want to taste your Jam , Zen Man.
July 29th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Ohhh my fingers are crossed. Those look jams look SOOO good! I hope I win this time
. Keep up the awesome word Zen man!
July 29th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Three-great sounding recipes! It’s hard for me to pick a favorite. I would love to try the sour cherry, for sure.
I’m jealous of all that produce! I guess the boss can be pretty nice sometimes.
July 29th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Scoring these recipes are more than enough, thanks *while waving hands frantically*
I’m not sure why I’ve never made peach jam… will sort that out soon enough.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:51 am
I love your blog and stories. I’ve had trouble getting your feed into my reader, but it seems I might have had success today. Nice twists on the jam scene.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Looks delicious and super tasty. Would love to try my hand at making jam but the whole boiling jars thing scares me a little.
July 29th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Count me in! I have been trying some different preserving experiments with the haul from the local garden. Just tried out the refrigerator method for pickling. It’s supposed to be good for about 2 weeks with none of the boiling or sterilizing. Cooking Light says it will work. Tonight I sample the results and hopefully will live to tell the tale! You’ve inspired me to give jam a try.
July 29th, 2008 at 9:51 am
entering again…
they look gorgeous!
July 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
so you did make that cherry jam….i know you said anonymous~but pick me pick me! i lived near jam country (ohio amish country) 5 years so totlly appreciate JAM
July 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am
have been silently stalking your blog for a while now… time to break the silence over a jar of homemade jam!! those jams look absolutely delicious! the peach one looks mighty peachy!
July 29th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
pick me, pick me, pick me!!
I just survived an earthquake in Los Angeles and need a bit of sweets to get me through the trauma…
July 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Wow, I’m aiming on that peach cardamom jam,
Looks delicious!
July 29th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
HOLAAAAAA
HOLLLLAAAAA
HOLLLLERRRRR
Y que!!!!
wassup
que bola?
whadup
okay, that’s enough saying hi.
GREAT WORK!
July 29th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Those jams look good! I like the sound of adding cardamom to the peach jam!
July 29th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
wow! awesome homemade jam. i’m drooling already by looking at them. how i wish i can spread them on my wholemeal bread every morning!
July 30th, 2008 at 12:02 am
wow peaches and cardamom…that sounds SO heavenly
July 30th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Wow you are a jam god…all of them look so delicious!
July 30th, 2008 at 1:42 am
mmm…looks good. I hope I can get some..
July 30th, 2008 at 1:51 am
You know that it’s my turn to win, don’t you? Don’t you?
July 30th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Hi Zen,
I love jam, my sister makes it in Switzerland, she has an orchard with cherries, apples, plums. Not only do they make jam and pastries but schnapps!
Love your site!
July 30th, 2008 at 9:03 am
oh my lord! that’s a lot of canning. reminds me of a pantry my family used to have in Moscow: it was completely filled with jars of jams, preserves, pickled vegetables, etc.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:14 am
aww, so kind of u ……..hope im able to get those
July 30th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Yum, these look delicious!!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Yes! I’m so glad I read this in time (this time). Fingers officially crossed over here!!!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Wow, that is a lot of fruit & veggies to process in a short amount of time! Great job! Those jams look amazing!
July 30th, 2008 at 11:36 am
HI!!! Please tell me you’d ship to Singapore!!
July 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Wow, those look amazing
jessy morse 5 at yahoo dot com
July 30th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Its been a while since I came by and yay I’m just in time for some delicious jams! I would lovvvvee to win! Puh-leezeee
July 30th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Nicely done! Great tutorial on jam! If you feel like coming to Montreal, you can attend my not-to-be-missed jam swap this fall!! Your contributions would be most welcome!
July 30th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Looks yummy. Want to win me some of that!
July 30th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I just learned how to can this summer and am completely smitten by all the creations I have made! I have been looking for a recipe using peaches, so this will be perfect–Thank you!
July 30th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Hi!
Mmmmm, your jams look simply delish! Perhaps you could take pity on me, newly transplanted to the midwest, far from family and friends, and send some homemade jam to cheer me up. Yeah, that would be super.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I think I should win so you wouldn’t have to spend a penny on shipping
Tee heee.. Maybe an excuse to get drunk together. Uh oh!
July 30th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Oh!
My!
Lawd!
I totally love JAM!
What a great opp to win something fantastic!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
ok, these look awesome! i’m glad all that fruit was delivered!!
count me in!
July 30th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Hi!!! I want! I want!!!
[said Hi, now crossing fingers]
We’ve never tried making jam… probably afraid we’d kill ourselves with incorrect sterilization or whatnot.
“The enemy was advancing.”
LOL! teehee.
July 31st, 2008 at 1:38 am
Just a guess..Aimee is going to win isn’t she?
July 31st, 2008 at 2:20 am
*sobsob* I wonder if customs will allow jam through to Australia.
All those jams made me think of roly polys, cakes, cookies or even just normal bread and jam or peanut butter jam sandwiches!
July 31st, 2008 at 3:18 am
Mmmmmmmmmmm… While I really hope to win these (it IS my birthday the following day, after all! *smile*), the fact that you gave your recipes for them is better – I can go make them too!!! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!! (Okay, so it’s more work, but the house’ll smell good, right??!!??) *smile* BEAUTIFUL jams!!!!!
July 31st, 2008 at 9:33 am
oh I love those jam of your, love them name too Kerr!
July 31st, 2008 at 10:47 am
Hi ZC! I just crossed my fingers, my eyes and my toes! Maybe that will work. : )
Oh and I just tweeted someone about you. She’s looking for a personal chef, but low-end. I recommended your blog, but told her that you were high-end and that maybe you might have some suggestions for her. I hope that was okay.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Hi there! Just found your blog via Picky Palate…and I guess I found it on the right day b/c I would LOVE to try these jams!
I’m going to browse the rest of your blog now…: )
July 31st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Hi! These jams look amazing – even if I don’t win I may have to make some myself.
July 31st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Apricot Zen-Jam on some bacon waffles… I can almost taste it now. Perhaps now I can be thoroughly inspired to work on my jamming skills.
July 31st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
wow, wow, you are a pro jam maker! They all look great. Reminded me of my mom’s jams. We make apricot jam with its nuts too. We stuff apricots with their own cleaned nuts and it turns great! I am craving some home made jam now. Sigh.
July 31st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Oh my oh my! A man who can can! How many jars did you do?
July 31st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
BESTNYA!!!!! WHAT A JAM!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
If Roal Dahl were alive, he would write two more novels for you: Zen and the Giant Peach…and… Zen and the Jam Factory!
August 1st, 2008 at 12:02 am
I’m into jam. I’d like to win me some jam. So pick me, pick me, pick me!
August 1st, 2008 at 4:54 am
I’m the jam mood too. I cross my fingers. Hei, I’m here…
August 1st, 2008 at 6:56 am
Pick me please I gave all my jam away
August 1st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Wow! Very deliciously inspiring! The cardamom-peach jam looks good enough to make me forget my terrible peach allergy…mmmmmmm, peaches.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I love apricot jam. I also love cardamom. If I win please flip a coin.
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:55 am
This contest is now closed. Thank you all for participating! I will announce a winner early next week, or as soon as I resolve some technical difficulties with this blog. Damn blogger! Good luck to all!
August 2nd, 2008 at 2:04 am
You’ve got some really lovely color matches between your blog design and photos here. Makes the food look all the more delicious!
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
All these jams look wonderful!
Nice work!
August 5th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Arghhh! I’m speechless! Je croise les doigts (de pied aussi)!!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Wahhhhhh!!! Tearing up! Why am I always so late for the party!?
Sniff, sniff, really, sniff. Your jams look amazing and how sweet of you to send these out. That lucky winner better know how lucky they are and who ever you are, I hate you already!
November 22nd, 2010 at 11:28 am
Can’t resist my tongue!
November 22nd, 2010 at 11:37 am
i love all these three jams specially they are your concoctions!!
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:07 am
Thanks you for giving me such great information.
August 13th, 2011 at 11:35 am
It’s look so yummy. Thanks for posting such a great post.