Homemade Orange Jam

Well, today I decided to make Orange Jam as we have almost finished the Strawberry Jam that I made earlier.  Ehmm... I am quite happy with the outcome!

Ingredients

a) 10 oranges and 1 grapefruit - wash thoroughly, remove seeds and cut into small chunks

b) 1 lemon - (juiced)

c) 2 cups of orange peels - finely sliced

d) 1 cinnamon stick

e) 3 cups of granulated sugar

f) some pandan leaves
  

Method :

 

1)  Blend ingredients (a).

2)  Transfer the puree to a medium-sized pot.

  
3)  Add ingredients (b, c, d and e).
4)  Cook the puree on medium low heat for about an hour or when it begins to thicken.

 

5) Add in pandan leaves and keep stirring for about 20 minutes or until it thickens.
6) Remove pandan leaves and cinnamon stick.
7) Let it cool completely before transfer to an airtight container.
8) Store in the refrigerator. It stays good for 2 to 3 weeks.

 
Enjoy your Homemade Orange Jam with toasted bread or your favourite cream crackers!

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Yesterday, my hubby bought some strawberries and since it was quite a lot, I decided to keep a packet (about 450gm) for strawberry jam.  Well, even though this is my first time trying homemade strawberry jam, my children and hubby like it so much.  I don't have an exact measurement but I just estimate according to my taste.

Ingredients :

  

- 1 bowl of strawberry 

- a quarter of lemon (can get about 1 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice) 

- half bowl of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick

Method :

1. Combine strawberries, cinnamon stick and sugar in a medium sized pot. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

2.  Stir frequently and simmer for over an hour or until thick. Stir occasionally.

3. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice. Cool at room temperature before storing it in jars. Refrigerate it.

  4. Store it in a jar and refrigerate it.

I am glad that my first attempt is quite successful. I will try other homemade jams soon!

Recipes for a Green Clean

Let's go GREEN with affordable and non-toxic cleaner. Thanks to http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/recipes-for-a-green-clean/

Homemade Glass Cleaner

Using isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar together makes a quickly evaporating spray glass and mirror cleaner that competes with national brands. This formula can also be used to give a nice shine to hard tiles, chrome, and other surfaces.If you use old newspaper to wipe your windows and mirrors, you’ll have the ultimate eco-friendly, streak-free shine!
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. vinegar

Mix together in a reusable spray bottle.

All-Purpose Disinfectant
2 tsp. borax
1/4 cup vinegar
3-4 cups hot water
15 drops tea tree oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and mix well.
For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 tsp. liquid soap to the mixture.

Tub and Tile Scrub
1-2/3 cup baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp. vinegar
Mix all ingredients, adding the vinegar after the other ingredients are well mixed. (if you add the vinegar too early it will react with the baking soda).
Immediately apply, wipe and scrub.

Toilet Cleaner
1 cup of borax
1/4 cup vinegar
Pour both borax and vinegar into the toilet before going to bed. In the morning, scrub and flush.

Furniture Polish
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Mix into a bowl or spray bottle, and polish furniture with a soft cloth.
Wipe dry with another cloth.

Laundry Enhancers
To brighten laundry, add one half cup of strained lemon juice during the rinse cycle.
For a fabric rinse, add one quarter cup white vinegar during the washing machine’s rinse cycle to remove detergent completely from clothes.
To reduce the amount of laundry detergent you need to use, add baking soda or washing soda. These minerals soften the water, which increases the detergent’s power. For liquid detergent, add one half cup soda at the beginning of the wash. For powdered detergent, add one half cup soda during the rinse cycle.