The Canny Lass

When I was little, we didn’t get a lot of biscuits and sweets, so bread and jam (or a piece and jam as it’s known here in Scotland) was a popular snack.

Nowadays, however, with food so easily accessible, we don’t seem to eat as much jam (jelly to our American friends).

But, here’s the thing, what happens if you need jam for baking, but there’s still some left in the pot? Well, here are some great ways of using it up.

1.Jam-filled Pastries

Use jam as a filling for pastries such as croissants, turnovers or Danish pastries. Spoon the jam on to the puff pastry and bake. Jam is also great in donuts and in sweet pies.

2. Jam in Muffins or Cupcakes

Similarly, add a spoonful of jam into the centre of a muffin or cupcake before baking. Bake as usual and enjoy. Please allow it to cool first though as hot jam can burn.

3. Jam Glaze for Meat

Mix the jam with some vinegar and mustard and use as a glaze for roast chicken, pork, lamb or beef. Delicious.

4. Jam in Smoothies

Alright, so it’s not the healthiest way of drinking a smoothie, but it tastes great. Add a spoonful of jam to your smoothie and give it a mix.

5. Jam in Ice-cream

Swirl a spoonful of jam through homemade or store-bought vanilla ice cream. It’s delicious.

6. Jam Tarts

Make jam tarts by rolling out some shortcrust pastry. Cut out the jam tart base, put in a baking tray, fill with jam and bake until golden. Lovely.

7. Jam Yogurt Parfait

Layer yogurt, granola and jam in a glass for a quick and lovely parfait. This recipe is really nice with cut up fresh fruit as well.

8. Jam Pancake or Waffle Topping

Place some jam in a small pot, add a little bit of water to loosen and heat up. Then pour the warm mixture over pancakes or waffles for a delicious topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream or some whipped cream for added yummy-ness.

9. Jam with Oats

Make porridge (or oatmeal) your usual way and then stir a spoonful of jam in the middle to add sweetness and flavour.

10. Jam with Rice Pudding

This is an old way of jazzing up rice pudding. Spoon some jam into the middle of a bowl of rice pudding and stir. Delicious.

11. Jam Glazed Fruit

Use jam as a glaze for roasted or grilled fruits such as peaches, pineapples, figs or bananas.

12. Jam in Cocktails

Here’s one I haven’t tried, but I might do it, Mix a spoonful of jam into cocktails such as margaritas or gin and tonic for a fruity twist. Or, if alcohol isn’t your thing, add jam to lemonade for a different type of summer drink. Add ice for that added coolness.

13. Jam Ice Lollies

Mix jam with yogurt or fruit juice, and freeze in moulds to make homemade ice lollies.

14. Jam in Muffin or Cake Frosting

 Mix jam with butter and icing (powdered) sugar to create a fruity frosting for cakes or cupcakes.

15. Jam in Marinades

Mix jam with a splash of soy sauce, some crushed garlic, and spices to create a marinade for meats like chicken or beef.

What’s your favourite way of using up jam? Let me know.