Channeling Julia

Do you have citrus fruits in your own backyard? Ornamentals like cumquats? Staples such as orange trees? Perhaps a lemon or lime tree?

If so, you're well on your way to making your own marmalade!

The idea is really simple - Clean and cut the fruit, soak in water overnight, strain out the seeds - then bring to a boil. Let the fruit & water simmer for half an hour. Add 3/4 cup of sugar for every cup of liquid and let it boil for 20 minutes without stirring.

The presence of the sugar will raise the boiling point as the water boils off. If you have a candy thermometer, take off heat when it goes over 104C or 220F. Otherwise you need to test for the setting point. (scoop a tiny amount -1/4 teaspoon will do, place on a plate. If it skins after a few seconds then you're done. To test for the skin, press it lightly with fingertip. If fingertip stays dry, there's a skin.)

Most of the recipes out there call for large quantities suitable for canning, however you can make a small amount and use within several days. It's great as an accent.