Lemon and Pink Grapefruit Marmalade
from 'Book of Preserves', by the Women's Institute
2 large pink or red grapefruit
2 large lemons
2 kg (4lb 8 oz) granulated sugar
1: Measure 2.25 litres (4 pints) water into a large stainless steel pan or preserving pan.
2: To prepare the grapefruit and lemons, cut the fruit into 1/4s. Squeeze the juice into the pan along with the water. Reserve the membranes and any pips and set aside on a large square of muslin.
3: Cut the peel from the grapefruit and lemons into thin shreds. Add them to the pan as you go. Tie up the membranes and pips in the muslin - tie this bag to the handle of the pan (which makes it easier to remove later) so that the bag is suspended in the water.
4: Bring the liquid up to boiling point and simmer, gently, uncovered, for 2 hours or until the peel is completely soft - it should squash easily between your fingers.
5: remove bag of pips and set aside. Add the sugar to the pan and stir over low heat until completely dissolved - if you are not sure, carry on stirring for a few minutes longer - do not rush this step.
6: Now increase the heat and squeeze the bag of pips on the side to extract all the pectin (which is necessary to make the marmalade set later) - you will see it ooze out. Whisk this into the mixture.
7: As soon as the mixture reaches a fast boil start timing. After 15 minutes, test for a set*. If necessary, continue testing at 15 minute intervals until the marmalade has reached setting point.
8: Remove the pan from the heat, skim off any scum and allow it to cool briefly. Carefully pour the marmalade into hot sterilised jars. Seal the jars and allow the marmalade to cool completely before labelling and storing.
* Setting - chill a couple of small plates or saucers in the fridge. Put a small blob of the marmalade on a plate, tilt to spread it thin. leave to cool for a couple of minutes. Push the mixture with your finger - if it wrinkles, it's reached setting point.
This was one of my Christmas present recipes, in nice kilner jars, with ribbon round the necks and big red parcel labels. It's been asked for by a recipient.
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