What Do I Need ?
So now you are thinking that you would like to have a go at making your own delicious preserves - great ! These are things that you will need for starters and which I could not do without. Best to shop around online but I will help and advise where I can - click on any photo to enlarge
A PRESERVING PAN
usually aluminium - ENsure there is a separate, moveable handle & a useful scale inside the pan for MEASURING. cast iron pan takes longer to heat up but retains the heat more than aluminium. Shop around for the best deals and make sure, if you have an induction hob, that the pan will work on it! Just watch out for those sharp edges around the handle which seem to be a standard feature.
SCALES
For accuracy, electronic scales win every time - I do love those old brass ones, however
JAM THERMOMETER
Another way to ensure a set is to use a jam thermometer - just make sure it it sturdy and easy to clean (and you can read it easily)
Mini-Chopper
You will not realise how useful one of these are until you get one. Indispensable for cutting down chopping times - they are reasonably priced so shop around. Highly recommended are ones from John Lewis' or Lakeland
A wooden spoon
I received a lot of these at school ! Essential for stirring and seeing if the preserve sticks to the back of it (as in lemon curd)
A saucer
Essential for testing for a set when placed in the freezer first.
Patience !
You'll need a lot of this, whether it be waiting for your set, waiting for your home-made flavoured vodkas or gins to be ready or just watching a boiling pot. It's all worth it, trust me !