On the heels of the beautiful Floridian citrus I received a few weeks ago, I just received an abundant box of mixed citrus from the trees of wintering relatives in Arizona. They felt the cold was harsh this year, the oranges not as good as usual however I found in opening the box, sheer beauty in the form and colors, and delight at the prospect of what I’d do with it all. The finite quantity of such seasonal treasures lends itself to appreciation for the end product all year long.
Before the holidays I shared I have my grandmother’s recipe box. It’s filled with hand written and typewriter typed recipes with fabulous names like ‘Good Cookies’ or ‘Hor D’Oeurve‘ (you can click those titles for some entertainment). One caught my eye a bit ago which was a three citrus marmalade. It’s in my great grandmother’s handwriting though attributed to someone named ‘Mrs. Dillon’. I’d date it back to the first half of last century. I do make jam, though most always with organic pectin that allows use of honey instead of sugar, but was quite taken with this recipe. Some aspects were not something I was able to do so my end recipe is a modification but one that stays true to Mrs. Dillon’s intent I believe.
Recipe
Vintage 3 Citrus Marmalade
Ingredients
- 2 grapefruit
- 10 small-medium size oranges
- 3 lemons
- 4 pounds granulated sugar (I use organic)
- Jars and lids
- Water
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Wash the outside of each fruit (peel is included in the recipe). Cut each citrus fruit into quarters and place in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the fruit is in small pieces. Refer to the photo below.
- Measure and place fruit into a large, non-reactive pot with lid. Cover with 3 times the volume in water. As an example: I had 7 pints of pulverized fruit/juice and added 21 pints of water to the pot. Cover and let sit overnight (or for 12 hours). It does not need to be refrigerated unless in a very warm climate.
- The following morning bring the mixture to a vigorous boil for 30 minutes. Stir periodically to prohibit any burning of the pulpy fruit. Turn off heat, cover and allow to sit 24 hours.
- After the 24 hour rest period, bring the mixture to a boil again, this time with the purpose of reducing the volume by 1/3. It will need to boil for a few hours. The color will become more amber as the marmalade reduces.
- After the marmalade has reduced and is less watery, add the sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil until it reaches 220 degrees, (gel or soft ball stage), on a candy thermometer.
- If you are refrigerating, spoon the marmalade into the jars and allow them to cool fully before putting them in the refrigerator. If canning, process in a water bath for 10 minutes (or the correct time for your altitude; I did for 15 minutes).
Susan says
Kudos! Love this post and love the nostalgia of a good vintage recipe. Marmalade speaks to me of high tea and scones … my great-Aunt Verna making trays for us when we visited her and serving tea on the front porch. What memories!
savoryandsavage says
The marmalade looks delicious!
And that soon is gorgeous.
ladymorgiana says
i love this marmolade! and it's all when I just read an article on marmalade in Independent! Fantastic pics as always!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
I love this marmalade and the stained hand-written recipe! Marmalade just doesn't get enough credit, in my opinion!
Dulce Dough says
Wow! Your photography is amazing! Looks delicious!
e.m.b. says
This looks divine! I've been eating so much citrus lately….I need to try this!
Ce. says
Oh my god!
Beautiful blog!!!! :D:D:D LOVE IT!
Ad your images are wonderful too!!
Un abrazo,
Ce.
Chef Dennis says
your images are all so beautiful, you should be working for and advertising firm!
here goes another 99!!
Dennis
Stephanie says
Wow, that looks stunning! I love the variety of citrus in this. I have yet to tackle homemade jellies, jams, or marmalades, but you have me really intrigued. Looks gorgeous and so Spring forward! :-p
foodblogandthedog says
I too have mountains of citrus at the moment! I live in Spain so i'm always looking for interesting recipes, this is great because it's “vintage” and I love your jam spoon!!