The jam's vibrant and robust fruity essence injects a burst of flavor into every dish it graces, irrespective of whether the culinary endeavor leans towards sweetness or savoriness. Consequently, allow me to introduce you to four delectable recipes that beckon you to explore the full spectrum of possibilities concealed within that seemingly humble jar of jam.
JAM FILLED CUPCAKES
These tender and airy cupcakes hold a delightful secret within their crumbly confines - a surprise burst of jam! The luscious fruity concoction that spills forth upon every bite is the pièce de résistance of this delectable treat.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
¾ cup of sugar
1½ cups of oil
1 tsp of vanilla essence
1 tsp of baking powder
1¾ cups of flour
¾ cup of milk
1 cup of whipping cream
½ cup of strawberry jam
Method:
Begin by beating the eggs vigorously at high speed until they triple in volume. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Pour in the oil while continuing to mix, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Simultaneously, sift the flour and baking powder together. Lower the speed of your mixer and begin adding the flour mixture spoon by spoon, alternating with the addition of milk. Incorporate a dash of vanilla extract into the mix, and don't forget to scrape the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Carefully pour the batter into cupcake liners and place them in a preheated oven set to 160°C. Let them bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
While the cupcakes are baking, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks, then refrigerate it to keep it cool.
Once the cupcakes have fully baked, allow them to cool completely. To add the surprise element, use an apple corer to create a hollow center in each cupcake, and fill this cavity with a generous dollop of strawberry jam.
Finish off your cupcakes by piping a generous swirl of the chilled whipped cream on top, and voilà – they're ready to delight your taste buds!
BLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS
These crumbly bars are a tantalizing treat that will literally dissolve on your palate with the very first bite. Delicately crafted and irresistibly flavorful, they deliver an explosion of fruity goodness.
Ingredients:
For the crumb:
3 cups of flour
½ cup of white sugar
½ cup of brown sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
1 egg
120g of butter
1 tsp of lemon zest
For the filling:
3½ cups of blueberries
½ cup of blueberry jam
½ cup of sugar
1 tbsp of corn flour
2 tbsp of lemon juice
Method:
Begin with the crumb mixture by combining the dry ingredients: flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and lemon zest. Create a well in the center and crack in the egg, then mix it all together. Add in small cubes of cold butter and use your fingertips to work them into the flour mixture until you achieve a coarse, grainy crumb texture.
Now, for the delectable filling, toss together the fresh blueberries, blueberry jam, lemon juice, sugar, and corn flour, ensuring that all the blueberries are nicely coated.
In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spread half of the crumb mixture evenly and press it down to create a smooth layer. Pour the prepared blueberry mixture on top of this layer, and then scatter the remaining crumb mixture over it.
Gently press down on the top layer, and transfer the tray to a preheated oven set to 170°C. Let it bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns a glorious golden brown and your home is filled with the tantalizing aroma of blueberries. That's when you'll know it's time to indulge!
CHILLI JAM CHICKEN
If you believed that jams were exclusively reserved for sweet culinary creations, it's time to broaden your horizons! This delectable Chilli Jam Chicken with Cashews is a tantalizing dish that'll have your taste buds singing for more.
Ingredients:
1 bunch of bok choy
1 bunch of Thai basil leaves
2 tbsp of chilli jam
1½ tbsp of peanut oil
500g of chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp of fish sauce
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of brown sugar
2 spring onions
2 cloves of garlic
½ cup of roasted cashews
1 small capsicum
Method:
Begin by slicing the bok choy and capsicum into petite pieces, and chop the spring onions and garlic. In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, chili jam, and brown sugar, and dilute this mixture with a tablespoon of water.
Heat the peanut oil in a wok, then add the chicken, cooking it for approximately three minutes or until it takes on a lovely, slight golden-brown hue.
Incorporate the garlic, capsicum, and the whites of the spring onions into the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that everything is nicely coated.
Add the bok choy and cashews to the sizzling stir-fry, and toss it all together until the flavors meld harmoniously.
As a final flourish, introduce the spring onion greens and Thai basil leaves to the mix. Give everything one last toss, and your Chilli Jam Chicken with Cashews is ready to be savored piping hot. Enjoy!
LINZER COOKIES
These cookies aren't just delicious; they also make for an enjoyable baking project, especially with children. They feature a delightful jam-filled sandwich construction nestled between two buttery shortbread cookies, offering the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
2 cups of plain flour
1 cup of almond flour
2/3 cup of caster sugar
1 tsp of cinnamon sugar
1 tsp of lemon zest
1 egg
150g of softened butter
¼ cup of pineapple jam
¼ cup of orange jam
Method:
Start by amalgamating the dry ingredients, which include almond flour, plain flour, caster sugar, cinnamon sugar, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and softened butter. Then, unite the wet and dry components and knead the mixture until it forms a cohesive dough. Once achieved, shape the dough into a flat disc and allow it to chill in the refrigerator, wrapped in cling film, for a duration of 30-60 minutes.
Following the chilling period, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about ¼-inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes according to your preference. Take half of these shaped cookies and create smaller cutouts within them.
Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake them at 180°C in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they exhibit a lovely golden hue.
Once the cookies are done baking, let them cool completely. Then, spoon generous dollops of either pineapple or orange jam onto each whole cookie. Top each with a cut-out cookie piece to create the sandwich effect.
To add a finishing touch, generously dust caster sugar over the top of your jam-filled creations. Now, they're ready to be enjoyed – indulge and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
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