An unexpected first prize in the other jam category with my rhubarb and ginger jam! I am very chuffed with that.
The 'other jam' category - looks like two other entries had already been removed
A colleague gave me a 1970’s recipe and I modified it to include real ginger rather than powdered stuff, which added a nice warmth to the jam. I also used an unrefined sugar and dropped the amount in the recipe, which gave a more rounded sweetness and not too prominent. And I simmered the jam until the rhubarb stalks disintegrated into their fibres. (You need to do quite a lot of simmering ‘cos rhubarb has very little pectin in as it’s a stalk not a fruit.)
We got to the hall quite late and so didn’t have much time to wander round to see the other exhibits and chat to friends. Caught a glimpse of David Somervell, who’s recently been featured in an article in the Guardian newspaper, and am very happy to see someone who’s working professionally to reduce CO2 emissions and also living the life.
She who knits and the daughter entered the tombola and won a huge book on Italian Cooking — Italia in Cucina published by McRae books. A quick skim shows it’s got a wide range of dishes made with simple ingredients, the instructions are clear and the photos are good. The organisation of the book makes no mention of the rhythm of antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti e contorne. Nevertheless, it’s got several recipes for gnocchi and for minestrone so I’m happy.
what we came away with
my rather weedy garlic is at the front; the winner looked so good
18 Saughton Mains, no more! 
The other entries would have been removed by their owners so as to avoid their exhibits being sold off at the end of the Show for FEDAGA’s funds ( a worthy cause none the less).
I was the Judge’s assistant in the Homecrafts section and did note the reference on your entry to Beltane- which I had to explain to the Judge!
Thanks!
I didn’t make the jam specifically on Beltane, it just happened that way.