Orange Marmalade | Chickens in the Road

Feb
1

I’ve always been fascinated with orange marmalade. I grew up reading English-flavored books, from Paddington Bear to Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series. English stories are sprinkled with references to orange marmalade. What was that stuff? I didn’t grow up eating marmalade. Just the word is exotic. Marmalade. My mother grew up in Oklahoma and my father was from West Virginia. Neither of those states produces citrus fruit. We weren’t a marmalade family.

I don’t imagine England produces a huge orange crop, either, but they do seem rather obsessed with marmalade in spite of it. Why?

Once I was grown and grocery shopping for myself, the first time I saw orange marmalade on a store shelf, I tucked it in my cart. Exciting! I had no idea what it was, but I wanted it.

It was good enough, but not nearly as exotic as I thought it would be. I was a little disappointed. Like I thought maybe Paddington Bear might pop out of the jar and join me. (He didn’t.)

So I forgot about marmalade and Paddington Bear and Miss Marple for awhile. Then I took a trip to England and experienced orange marmalade all over again. This orange marmalade was different–better! In fact, wonderful! More real bits of orange and more real slivers of orange peel, nothing like I remembered from that long-ago tasted storebought sample. It was around this time that I was learning to make homemade jam and I started thinking about making my own marmalade. Real marmalade. Not that I live in a citrus-producing state now either (lucky you are if you do!), but still–I just knew homemade marmalade would fulfill all my Paddington Bear and Miss Marple dreams.

Oddly, in the past few months, I’ve gotten several emails asking if I could recommend an orange marmalade recipe. I knew it was time.

Paddington Bear and Miss Marple here I come!

A marmalade, by the way, is defined as a jam-like product that includes citrus fruit and slivers of peel. This orange marmalade recipe comes from the Ball Blue Book, which also contains instructions for many other marmalades such as kumquat marmalade, red onion marmalade, cherry marmalade, and so on. But orange marmalade–this is the big mama marmalade! The marmalade of marmalades. The marmalade every other marmalade wishes it could be when it grows up.

Don’t know how to can? It’s easy! See How to Can: Hot Water Bath Method. You can also get answers to your questions right here! Check out the canning section on the Chickens in the Road Forum. We’re here to help!

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How to make Orange Marmalade:

2 cups thinly sliced orange peel
1 quart chopped orange pulp
1 cup thinly sliced seeded (but not peeled) lemon
1 1/2 quarts water
sugar

One of the great things about making your own marmalade is that you have total control over the final product. If you like it chunkier, make your pulp pieces chunky! If you don’t like chunky, slice it very small. Make your peel slivers as tiny or big as you like. It’s up to you.

You don’t have to please anyone but yourself and your family. It’s also hard to go wrong in this recipe because after you let the chopped fruit and peel sit, you re-measure it before adding the sugar. So let’s go!

Chop and slice everything up and combine it all in a big pot with the water. (Do not add sugar yet!) Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Cover and let sit for 12-18 hours. I started my marmalade in the evening so I could let it sit overnight.

Making marmalade reminds me a little bit of making cheese because it’s one of those things that looks difficult, but it’s really not, and most of the time spent making it is time that you aren’t doing anything with it.

For me, the measurements took 5 large oranges and 2 medium lemons. I had some orange peel left over. You can use any remaining peels in other recipes, dried for potpourri, or even added to a tea ball to steep in your hot tea. No wasting!

After 12-18 hours, bring the pot to a rapid boil and cook until the peel is tender. (It will have already softened up some after sitting for hours.) When peel is very tender, turn off the heat and measure the mixture. I used a 2-cup measure and transferred it to a large bowl then dumped it all back into the big pot when I was done. Add one cup of sugar for every one cup of mixture. Turn on the heat under the pot again and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. (Add a bit of butter to prevent foaming.) Cook rapidly almost to the gelling point.

As mixture thickens, keep stirring to prevent sticking. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary. Ladle hot marmalade into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Add lids and bands. Process 10-minutes in a hot water bath. For me, this made 10 half-pints.

Note: If you have trouble with recipes that have to come to a gel without pectin, add pectin! Follow the recipe as stated above except–after measuring the mixture and returning it to the pot, add a package of pectin and bring it back to a boil. Add the sugar, bring to a rolling boil then boil hard one more minute before removing from heat and ladling into jars. (I was really worried about mine gelling, but it came out perfect and I didn’t use pectin.)

Either way, it’s downright fabulous.

Miss Marple would approve. I think I see Paddington Bear now…..

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And celebrating orange marmalade–

It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Anna and Robyn at January Baby. Visit her here.

To win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight. This post will be updated with the winner no later than 9 AM Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow. Return to this post to see if you won.

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 02/02/10: The randomly drawn comment number is #10–ticka1! Email me with your full name and address for shipping.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.

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123 Responses
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2-1
1:12
am

I’m up late tonight, or is it early this morning….Anyway, love this post Suzanne! Orange Marmalade is so YUMMY! You make it look so easy. Thanks for the great pictures to help me along! Have a great day! (BBB please)

Lynette -
2-1
1:14
am

I made orange marmalade years ago. It was delicious. We’ve just been eating the Smuckers brand and it’s “ok”, but not great.

I do live in Florida and can get the fresh fruit. Maybe I’ll do a mixed marmalade… hmm… the mental “wheels” are turning… LOL!

Please enter me in the BBB.

thanks!

Mel

Mel Meister -
2-1
1:29
am

Thankyou Thankyou thankyou! I have the oranges and the lemons now I have the recipe!! Jumping for joy thanks again!!!

Nona -
2-1
3:40
am

Suzanne, it looks marvelous!!! Hot buttermilk biscuits sound pretty good, too, right now.

Cheryl -
2-1
4:34
am

I am so going ti make this. I have always been very facinated by marmalade and did grow up reading about it and eating store bought variations which went from good to bad. Now I can make some of my own thanks to you.
Yahooo …………..

Rituparna -
2-1
4:40
am

Suzanne, the answer to your question why?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mostof_marmalade.shtml
Another interesting theory is also related to Mary Queen of Scots.Incarcarated in the Tower of |London.she was ill and asked for this remedy.Her warders referred to it as Maam’s (short for Madam) Malade (Malady-illness) ie Maam’s Malade
Apart from the universal use on toast,its great for other uses.
Traditionally made from bitter Seville Oranges
Lovely to hear of you Anglophile…………Now if we can only get you to like Kippers and Black Pudding

ChrisUK -
2-1
4:49
am

BBB. I am going to have to try this it looks wonderful!

Michele Messier -
2-1
4:57
am

Hi Suzanne,
i am surrounded by marmalade lovers so i always make pounds of the stuff – about 60 so far this year, and i have enough oranges for another 40lb in the freezer. We don’t have to do anything to the marmalade or jam when it is cooked. no canning involved,just into any old sterilised jar,stick a lid on it, either screw top or a bit of cellophane, and it keeps for years!!
we always use bitter seville oranges which are inedible uncooked,and they are only around for about the 1st 6 weeks of the year. Most of the crop (from spain) comes to us in the uk.

Your method looks easier than the traditional British ones- think i’ll have a go with my next batch

blossom -
2-1
5:13
am

Suzanne,
What’s that big, beautiful pot that you are making the marmalade in? I have pot envy.

hollygee -
2-1
5:45
am

You make this look so easy. I have a question – for every cup of the mixture you add a cup of sugar? So if you have 4 cups of mixture – you add 4 cups of sugar?

I will be printing this out and adding it to my list of items to make.

Please add me to the BBB contest.

Thanks Suzanne.

ticka1 -
2-1
5:46
am

(BBB Puh-lease) My grandmother was from England and we grew up having toast with marmalade and tea for breakfast everyday. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that but you have me thinking I need to make some and “toast” my mom and grandma! Thanks Suzanne…

joanne -
2-1
6:11
am

Looks yummy! BBB

Laura in Greenwood, IN -
2-1
6:19
am

for some reason i think it was made to ward off scurvy, long trips over the sea, i know it is very healthy for you. it causes too much acid for my tummy. we use to make orange peel candy. you take the back of the spoon and scrape off the white pulp until the peel is almost paper thin. then you drop the stips into simmering sugar water until thier almost transparent. about 5 min, or so, then you remove and cover them in sugar, lay them out straight to dry. now thats good candy.i live in florida too, i guess you could use any citrus fruit in that recipe.

trish robichaud -
2-1
6:20
am

Ticka, yes, one cup sugar per one cup orange mixture after you measure it.

Holly, that’s a Calphalon stainless steel pot!

Suzanne McMinn -
2-1
6:27
am

My favorite! It’s been years since I made it, might just have to take a whirl.

Johanna -
2-1
6:41
am

That looks so good!
BBB

Leah -
2-1
6:42
am

That marmalade looks wonderful and I have a bunch of oranges no on is eating, might be marmalade time here.

Put me in for the BBB drawing

Connie Trippett -
2-1
6:42
am

I could use some tea and jam after spending the day outside taking pictures for my blog! It is onl 16 degrees in Greensboro. Maybe I should stay in and make orange marmalade too!!! I’d love a book. BBB Please!!

Jan
GDP

Jan -
2-1
6:50
am

This looks like a wonderful gift to give. BBB

Maureen -
2-1
6:50
am

We were just talking about making Orange Marmalade this weekend and how we used to do that as kids with our mom. I’d love the BBB. And can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks.

Kelly Walker -
2-1
6:50
am

Looks delicious. I especially like it on toasted English muffins with butter. Yum! BBB

NorthCountryGirl -
2-1
6:54
am

Looks so good. Another thing I will have to try. lol. Love your recipies!!!!

BBB Please!!!!

Diane -
2-1
6:59
am

I used to have the same thoughts on marmalade……..and I was very let down with that jar in store!! So many recipes needed marmalade, but I saw nothing spectacular with it, so I skipped those recipes. I LOVE the Strawberry Lemon Marmalade I made this summer (thank you very much!), so I MUST make this!!

BBB please!! Anni! Thank you so much for sponsoring!

CindyP -
2-1
7:49
am

I would LOVE the Ball Blue Book!

PrairieKerri -
2-1
7:53
am

Oh yum! REAL marmalade has to be rich and dark and made with seville oranges, and nice thick chunks of peel. None of that wimpy pale sweet stuff. The appeal of marmalade is the balance of sharp and sweet. Kumquats do make good marmalade when sevilles can’t be found, and I would love a BBB!

Nikki -
2-1
8:02
am

In England its made with Seville Oranges…we don’t have much luck growing oranges here!
The story is that when Mary Queen of Scots was ill, it was her favourite treat and the maid used to call at ‘Marie est Malade’ when the oranges were required.

Carol Warham -
2-1
8:04
am

This sounds so good. My mother loved orange marmalade but I was disappointed with it – I bet homemade is SO much better!

I’d love to win the BBB!

Kathi -
2-1
8:04
am

This looks wonderful!!! You never cease to amaze me! Next you’ll be churning butter and baking Grandmother bread to go with it. Wish I lived close by.

Susan

Susan at Charm of the Carolines -
2-1
8:05
am

I cannot get past the orange peel in marmalade. Yuck.

BBB

Ang. -
2-1
8:14
am

Am looking forward to trying the new recipe for orange marmalade soon. Keep up the good work as I enjoy your blog every day. (BBB)!

Betty Moore -
2-1
8:14
am

Once again you have shown me something that I thought was really hard but…I think I can do this! I do believe I see Marmalade making in my future…LOL

Deb

Debnfla3 -
2-1
8:20
am

My father and I are going to try canning for the first time this year! That book would be a HUGE help!!!! BBB

Stargirl Heuser -
2-1
8:21
am

Those jars are really a pretty site on your counter after making your marmalade! BBB – pick me please!

Krystie -
2-1
8:33
am

I lived in a citrus state for 10 yrs, never made marmalade but did enjoy fresh oranges and grapefruits!

BBB me please!

nikki -
2-1
8:34
am

I LOVE marmalade! My mother and her parents were from England as was my father’s mother so I grew up with marmalade. This was the 3 fruit variety that had orange, lemon and grapefruit which I haven not been able to find here in Kansas. SO…now I can make my own 3 fruit marmalade…YEAY! You’re right Suzanne…somehow marmalade conjures up images of Paddington Bear and Miss Marples…and a good cup of tea BBB please!

Chic -
2-1
8:35
am

Thank you for your marmalade post…I was just looking in cookbooks yesterday hoping to find a use for the 6 oranges I have sitting in the crisper and my husband LOVES marmalade. I’m glad to know I don’t need Seville or any other specialty oranges to make this. I’ve dabbled in canning in the past and planned to get to it next summer, so it is just great that you have a fun winter project! Thanks!! BBB

Lisa Loves Boston -
2-1
8:41
am

Growing up in Germany we ate a lot of Marmalade, my Mom and Grandma were both very busy canning in the summer.
BBB, pretty please.

Anke -
2-1
8:46
am

Thanks for sharing the orange marmalade. Please enter me in BBB, I am teaching as I learn to my friend and children.

BerryGoodLifeFarm -
2-1
8:56
am

Oh goody, I have had a taste for this.. Now to buy some oranges to make it. Thanks. BBB

Abiga/Karen -
2-1
9:01
am

I really thought this would be hard to make, but it looks relatively easy. I think I will have to try it. BBB please

Amanda -
2-1
9:08
am

Looks delish! Love the history of the name. I would love BBB, as one of my goals for this year is to learn how to can. Thanks!

Anne -
2-1
9:13
am

I love love love orange marmalade! You are right in that there is better marmalade to be had by making your own. Now for some toasted Grandmother Bread, with butter and marmalade, and hot cocoa….yum! BBB please

dorothy -
2-1
9:14
am

I, too, enjoy Agatha Christie, Paddington Bear and even like to watch the BBC series, “All Creatures Great and Small,” just to take in the English homes and countryside. I make so many kinds of jams and jellies but I think I will give orange marmalade a try…and maybe even apple butter after reading another of your posts. I would like to be considered for the BBB, thank you very much!

Townie Farm Girl -
2-1
9:16
am

Looks good! I would love a BBB please!

Debbie in PA -
2-1
9:21
am

I’ll have to try the orange peel candy mentioned in the comments. Sounds yummy!
Please throw my hat in the ring for todays BBB.
Rys

Rys -
2-1
9:22
am

I made marmalade for my dad many, many years ago. He told me it couldn’t be done at home. Why he thought that, I don’t know. Both my parents were raised during the Depression and a lot was done at home when they were small. Anyway, I made the stuff and he loved it. My family, however, has never tried it. May be time to introduce a new taste experience.

BBB,please. And thank the sponsors for us.

debbie -
2-1
9:23
am

Looks really good! I really want to try this recipe. Thank you so much for the wonderful anecdote. It’s always nice to know where the inspiration came from! :-)

TheAL -
2-1
9:24
am

Thanks for all your canning posts. I used to can with my Grandmother but don’t remember the details. I could certainly use this book!! Thanks!!

Lisa -
2-1
9:24
am

I would love to win a copy of the book.

Jennifer -
2-1
9:29
am

Re orange peel candy, I think the orange peels in my marmalade taste like orange peel candy! I don’t know what kind of oranges I used (just regular storebought–most likely Florida oranges) but they’re sweet!

Suzanne McMinn -
2-1
9:29
am

Yummy,

I’m wondering if you can freeze the marmalade instead of canning it?

Nancy, who just bought a freezer

Nancy -
2-1
9:30
am

Thanks Anna and Robyn! I’m hoping for a January baby myself, come this next year.

I tried orange marmalade once, on a Christmas ham. I was 8 and didn’t like it. Now it’s 20 years later, and I think it’s time to try it again!

Gini -
2-1
9:33
am

Nancy, I don’t know about making freezer marmalade as I haven’t tried that. Maybe someone will come along who has done that and can answer!

Suzanne McMinn -
2-1
9:43
am

I have never liked orange marmalade that much but yours looked good so I might have to revisit it. BBB please!

Amy -
2-1
9:47
am

I’ve only tasted store-bought marmalade once and didn’t like it. I’m sure homemade is much better. BBB

Lisa Cummings -
2-1
9:50
am

Can’t wait to try this. I have a bag of oranges that have not been eaten. Now I know what to do with them. You are so talented!

BBB please

Thanks

carol bellamy -
2-1
9:52
am

I used a similar recipe to make grapefruit marmalade (I have a grapefruit tree that produces abundant fruit!). It is delicious! BBB

Karen -
2-1
9:57
am

Reading and looking at your photos and all of a sudden I smelled oranges. Great instructions. BBB

Joy -
2-1
10:16
am

This looks delicious and would go so well with your drop biscuit recipe that I’ve been making the last several weekends. This is the first scratch biscuit recipe that is not dry and has a wonderful flavor! BBB please.

Marianne G -
2-1
10:16
am

Lovely marmalade which looks delectable. BBB Please.

anne -
2-1
10:37
am

BBB please. :-) k

Kelley -
2-1
10:37
am

Oh how wonderful – we love Orange Marmalade!!! Looks like a fun homeschooling adventure for our house!! Thanks for sharing
BBB Please

Leisha -
2-1
10:39
am

Hm, I’m no marmalade fan, but my husband is. And I guess I’m lucky, living in a citrus producing country, even having two lemon trees in my garden :-)
And I would also be lucky, winning the BBB book :-)

Pat -
2-1
10:43
am

Never had Orange Marmalade but my mom used to make Rhubarb Marmalade. I don’t know how she made it. SOOOO if I were to win the BBB there just might be a recipe for it in there. I love, love, loved the Rhubarb Marmalade and I’m sure the Orange Marmalade would be just as tasty. I’m never afraid of how any of your recipes turn out when I make them and believe me I’ve made several of them. Thank you so much.

Phyllis Wilson -
2-1
10:45
am

The recipe sounds awesome (as all of your recipes that I’ve tried so far have been!). Every year, I buy oranges from our FFA group who sell them @ Christmas as a fundraiser and I have a heck of a time eating them all before they go bad – not next year! Woohoo! I can hardly wait. Thanks for this and all the great skills you share. Tammy (BBB please.)

Tammy -
2-1
11:10
am

I make marmalade often..It is one of my favorites because it is so easy to make. This year I also made Strawberry Marmalade and I guess at the moment it is my favorite..LOL

TXLady -
2-1
11:12
am

Sarah Rees Brennan on Orange Marmalade:

“So in the supermarket, I became distracted by a jar of marmalade. The little orange strands in it suddenly looked rather like fish to me, and I tilted the jar of marmalade towards the light, thinking ‘the fish would need special jelly-absorbing gills’ when it occurred to me that nobody who thinks about fish living in marmalade will ever turn out to be a Secret Genius.

“… It was a blow to me, I will confess. But I’m recovering.”

And that’s why today’s post made me smile. :-D

BBB

Ulrike -
2-1
11:17
am

Now that you’ve made and shared orange marmalade, how about lemon curd? It’s even more yummy than marmalade!

Karen in Ohio -
2-1
11:19
am

Looks good. Thank you for sharing. BBB

CrystalGB -
2-1
11:23
am

Sounds yummy!

Please enter me in the BBB drawing!

SuseM -
2-1
11:36
am

Love orange marmalade. BBB

Glenie -
2-1
11:42
am

I have only tasted the store bought kind, also, and never really cared for it. My dad always talked about how he loved orange marmalade and apple butter. I’m thinking he must have remembered the homemade varieties.
I do live in a citrus state, and a friend just gave me a bag of lemons from their tree……so, maybe I will try your recipe. It certainly looks yummy, and I do make pretty good buttermilk biscuits! (BBB)

Grace

mrnglry -
2-1
11:48
am

My favorite! We always had marmalade at home (store bought). When I was a freshman in high school, our Home Ec teacher was doing a unit on canning & preserving. She had a list of jams & jellies that each of our ‘kitchens’ could choose from. I had a hard time convincing my kitchen mates to do orange marmalade but we did. It was yummy & several of the girls were instant converts. Maybe I will give it another go, I have one nephew I could share it with…..

cake -
2-1
11:56
am

Suzanne, thank you for bringing back memories of my Mom. How she loved marmalade!!! It was always in the house, and I bought it just for her when she lived with me her last couple of years. Maybe that’s why she lived to be over 101! However, I never liked it – go figure. Maybe if I’d tasted your homemade marmalade I would have loved it, too. I know Mom made Guava jelly when I was a kid (yes, I grew up in Florida) and I liked that.

Nancy in Iowa -
2-1
12:02
pm

Looks tasty!!!!
BBB

Christa H. -
2-1
12:04
pm

I’ll have to try this one. My eyes say it looks yummy, but my mind keeps contesting. It knows how bitter peels are. The great thing about canning is it really won’t cost that much to make, and If I don’t like it, there will always be someone I can gift it to that does!!!

BBB please!

Emily -
2-1
12:05
pm

Oh that looks so yummy!
Would it still turn out okay if I lowered the amount of sugar? Like cut it in half? Or would that be disastrous?

Your contests yesterday were fun!!

BBB

Aedrielle -
2-1
12:10
pm

Oh my goodness… I can’t believe it! Yesterday, I was gifted (and what a gift!) with about 50 lbs of lemons and 50 lbs of oranges. I knew immediately what I wanted to make: orange marmalade and dried oranges w/cloves (see Suzanne, I pay very close attention to your crafts). My marmalade has been sitting overnight and I am going to can this morning. My oranges slices w/cloves are dried and I am going to craft them into a wreath for my kitchen!

Your posting couldn’t have come at a better time. I ‘go forward’ with greater confidence to finish my marmalade this morning! Talk about perfect timing…

Happy farming!

Kelly

Kelly Hamilton -
2-1
12:11
pm

Oppss… Silly me… I forgot…

BBB entry, please!

Happy farming,

Kelly

Kelly Hamilton -
2-1
12:13
pm

Use sweet oranges! The peels in mine are not bitter. They taste like candy.

Suzanne McMinn -
2-1
12:15
pm

Aedrielle, I would search for a specifically low-sugar marmalade recipe. Cutting the sugar in a canning recipe can sometimes be disastrous, so I’d find a proven recipe for it. (I don’t have one, but I’m sure one exists somewhere!)

Suzanne McMinn -
2-1
12:19
pm

I’m not sure I’d like marmalade. Though I do want that BBB!

Lacey -
2-1
12:34
pm

Definitely adding this to my list of jams/jellies/etc! It looks so good!

I would love to win the BBB!

KentuckyFarmGirl -
2-1
12:44
pm

Ooooo my mom always made marmalade growing up. we loved it! BBB

geena -
2-1
12:57
pm

I used to make apple marmalade–I am the only one in the house who eats it so I still have a lot left over.

Marmalade is really good to simmer with pork roast or to glaze ham with if you are tired of spreading it on toast.

I would like to be entered in the draw if you can ship the book to Canada, please!

Jennifer -
2-1
1:00
pm

wow, your photos are so beautiful, they make me want to make marmalade. what a lovely morning greeting!
BBB!!!

Miss Becky -
2-1
1:25
pm

Can’t stand marmalade, myself. Terribly disappointing after feeling just like you did, and buying it at a Paddington Bear shop in Bath England. I have, however, made a yummy shrimp sauce out of some marmalade, so maybe there’s hope for me yet…

Hoping to win a BBB!

AnnMarie Johnson -
2-1
1:30
pm

I grew up with a British grandfather who always ate orange marmalade so it has nostalgia going for it for me. I am always looking for interesting gifts for my very foodie family members, so I will definitely be giving this recipe a try! Add in the nostagia factor and it’s a sure winner – thank you!

I would love the BBB…

Meg -
2-1
1:31
pm

BBB please and thank you!

Melanie -
2-1
1:36
pm

I LOVE orange marmalade!!!! & Red current jelly

There is a place right down the street here from my work that makes all kinds of jams & jellies – family owned & they are right there making it when you walk in….. smells heavenly!!!! used their apricot almond one for filled xmas cookies – YUM…

ok i have to try the marmalade!!!! BBB please to get me started!!!!

QuietStorm -
2-1
2:06
pm

I really want to capture the smell of fresh oranges in my marmalade. It says snuggly winter mornings to me. I’ve only made it once…it came out sticky and thick and not so yummy. I’m going to try your recipe as soon as I can. I already have the Ball Blue Book. Just one question: How do you know when it has thickened enough and is ready to can? Ok, just one more question: Is is ok to grate the orange rind and ditch the pith?

Patricia Warren -
2-1
2:10
pm

It looks yummy. Once I learn canning, I’ve got to try jams and marmalade. Thanks Suzanne!! (BBB)

Debbie in Memphis -
2-1
2:28
pm

Wow, I’ve never read about making home made marmalade. I’ve seen some recipe’s for jam and have wondered about the difference. This looked fairly simple and the end product looked tasty.

Thanks Suzanne!

BBB

Maria D. -
2-1
2:49
pm

Orange marmalade is an all time favorite of mine. In fact I love all things citrus. Candied orange and lemon peel is pure delight!
I haven’t made marmalade in years but I may just have to try a batch. Yours looks so delicious.
I’d love to be entered in the BBB drawing. Thanks!

kerri -
2-1
3:00
pm

this is a “must try” recipe I love the idea-I still have some of the Thanksgiving cranberry relish in the frig I’m savoring a little at a time !! this sounds similar!! Hope to win a BBB too!! rain

rain -
2-1
3:11
pm

Now I have to try this!!!! This would be a great time to make orange marmalade while oranges are in season too. Thanks for the inspiration Suzanne. Now only if I could win that BBB

marymac -
2-1
3:41
pm

Kerri and Trish, my mom made orange peel candy AND grapefruit peel candy every year for Christmas. Ohhhh, the house smelled wonderful!! I’m sure Suzanne’s does too.

Barbee' -
2-1
3:49
pm

Yum!! BBB please

MMT -
2-1
3:59
pm

Suzanne, the romance writer comes out in so much of your writing! You can take any recipe and make us fall in love with it!!! I love orange marmalade and now I want to venture into the kitchen and give it a whirl! Keep up the writing and we will continue to fall in love with farm life and cooking – maybe the goats would like a wee bit of marmalade on their cookies!

Debby Edwards -
2-1
4:21
pm

Pick me, pick me!! I would love to win the BBB!

Sharilyn -
2-1
4:30
pm

My mother made orange marmalade last year I think, she used special oranges. I think they were spanish or something, clearly my memory is a little fuzzy! BBB

Brenna -
2-1
4:37
pm

Sign me up for the BBB drawing please! The marmalade looks beautiful! I have to tell you that I made your molasses cookies and they were WONDERFUL. Absolutely PERFECT texture, gorgeous rolled in sugar (oddly enough, when the dough started to warm up and become stickier I thought, she’s right! It is kind of icky!), and wonderful flavor. Would be so pretty as Christmas gifts!

Jenny S. -
2-1
4:45
pm

please enter me in the BBB drawing please…I bet this would make your house smell really good also.. Been off work due to knee surgery and have spent alot of time thinking about the “canning season”.. I have tried to figure out if I need more jars. My family has really enjoyed my “canned” items this winter. thanks for providing the information that we all can put to good use:pawprint:

Mim -
2-1
5:25
pm

I’am making this soon, marmalade is one of my favorites and it will be even better homemade. Thanks

Sharon Gosney -
2-1
5:41
pm

Here in New Zealand we often make marmalade with grapefruit as well, a bit more zingy. I love marmalade – it makes me sneeze (dunno why).
BBB please, if you’ll send it this far!

Charlotte -
2-1
6:12
pm

I would love to have a copy of the Blue Book! I make the trio marmalade,orange,grapefruit and lemon. It is so good. I don’t use the rind though I just zest with a rasp and then I don’t have big pieces and i like that better. It looks so pretty in the jars!

Lanita canup -
2-1
6:12
pm

Oh, I love me some marmalade! Thanks for sharing the recipe and your technique. Please include me in the BBB drawing!

Donna -
2-1
8:12
pm

Seeing this post reminded me-I REALLY like marmalade. Will have to do some searching though to made it sugar free. I did post a recipe I think some of you might like. Easy and very good. It’s an orange marmalade-nut-sugar cookie square.With chocolate!! What’s not to like? Also would like the BBB

mommafox -
2-1
8:14
pm

Orange Marmalade sounds like a wonderful idea for gifts. Something just a little different but delicious. Thanks for the recipe. BBB please.

Mittened Paw -
2-1
8:16
pm

Your photos and narrative are exquisite as always. Please draw me for the BBB.

Linda -
2-1
8:51
pm

Love your blog! Please enter in BBB.
Thanks!

Beth -
2-1
10:27
pm

I think you should be able to do this with half sugar and half splenda. I just may have to try that as we have to watch the sugars around here.
That cookie bar with chocolate sounds yummy too! I have used orange marmalade in a recipe for a marinade for thin flank steak skewers, that are then cooked on the grill. Now, those are yummy. I need to find that recipe.
Here is a site with more pictures and a recipe, tho Suzanne did a marvelous job with her pictures.

http://www.pickyourown.org/marmalade.php

There are more recipes to explore there, but I will always come back to CITR, as I look forward to each new post every day. My daughter also checks it out every morning, and actually, she was the one who told me about it.

Grace

mrnglry -
2-1
10:45
pm

I love marmalade and lemon curd too.

Please enter me in the BBB

Janessa -
2-1
11:19
pm

I would like a copy of the BBP book. I’ve never had marmalade that made me want more, but yours looks very inviting. I don’t think the recipes I have seen used as much fruit with the peel. Thanks so much for a wonderful blog. I’m from an old-fashioned farm background so a lot of what you do brings back memories. We had lots of cows, some chickens and a few pigs, but no goats or sheep. I really enjoy the animal escapades..

G-Mama -
2-1
11:34
pm

this is too funny that I am the sponsor on the day you write about marmalade. I was born in England, and my mother has eaten marmalade on her toast for breakfast every morning my entire life (except during lent)
I hate marmalade. I’m a jam girl all the way.
anni

anni -
2-1
11:58
pm

When I saw the title “orange marmalade” I thought for sure we would be reading about one of your orange tabby cats.

princessvanessa -
2-2
5:32
am

Technically marmalade should be made with Seville oranges, not regular ones. They’re a lot more bitter – you wouldn’t eat them raw. The season is now, not sure what you get in the US though.
Check out this site: http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/easy-seville-orange-marmalade-recipe-6464 and the preserves section of the forum. Really helpful and friendly people!
Love your blog and the crazy goats. Glad to hear there’s nothing wrong with Clover.
I’d love to be entered for the BBB if I’m not too late.

Ruthdigs - Devon, UK -
2-2
8:17
am

Bread and water can so easily be made into toast and tea. This marmalade is the perfect accompaniment! (BBB)

Miss Kitty -
2-2
9:04
am

I love thie site…Suzanne, you are amazing. My local super center, buy it in the biggie containers has oranges on sale…I have no excuse not to try this recipe! What a wonderful time to fill a winter house with the yummy scent of citrus. Thanks you for making it easy. I love Paddington too. BBB please.

Angela P -
2-2
9:44
am

You just totally described me! I also grew up reading English literature which always seemed to bring up orange marmalade (like Paddington Bear) and I was so fascinated by it. It was something totally exotic and so British I knew I had to try it someday. When I finally did I was disappointed. It was rather unexciting and a little bitter. I can’t believe when I was in England that I didn’t buy any!! I’m sure it would have been much better. I did try making an orange and grapefruit marmalade once, but I didn’t have a candy thermometer, and it turned out like a rock in the jar. I never did retrieve that spoon I left sitting in there… I will just have to try it again. Thanks for the recipe!

Sarah -
2-9
3:13
pm

AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! 4 hours of making marmalade and it didnt set up! HELP!!!!! Its canned in the jar, but its a runny mess!!! Anything I can use it for? I really needed that book!

stacy -
6-16
9:33
pm

since I live in Florida I can get calamondins,you just put a x on the top and make your jam;excellent they are orangy and sweet

linda -