Well lets get back to the marmalade. Try and find organic thick skinned oranges - normally stay away from the very smooth and shiny oranges - what you are looking for are the ugly and knubly ones - normally these have quite thick skin - Seville oranges are a good type to look out for....
1500 g oranges
3500 ml water
2500 g caster sugar
extra flavours - like ginger, lavander or rosemary - optional.
Place oranges in a pan and pour in the water. Bring to the boil and let them simmer until tender - about 90-120 minutes.
Once cooked, lift them out of the water to cool - but keep the water in the pan.
When you can handle the oranges, cut them into quaters. Pull away the pulp and remove any pips. Chop the pulp finely and return to the water.
Cut the peel into slices - some prefer thick cut others more finely - will leave that entirely up to you. Return all the sliced peel to the pan. Place the pan back on the stove, add sugar and bring to the boil. Stir to make sure the sugar doesn't stick. Once the sugar is disolved and the pan is back to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 3 hours. If using extra flavours, add these when you have about 30 minutes left of the cooking.
Place a small plate in the freezer. When you think your marmalade is ready, take the plate out and place a little of the marmalde onto the plate. It should set quite quickly and if you run your finger through, the marmalade shouldn't run back together.
Once you are happy with the consistency, remove from the pan and leave to rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile sterilize some jars with boiling water.
Now laddle the marmalade into the jars and seal.
We like to pass the jars through a hot water bath - then the marmalade can last for a year.
Place the filled jars in a large pan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Cook for 20 minutes, remove from the heat, but leave the jars in the water to cool until the next day. Lift them out of the water, dry them and label them,
Now your breakfast is secured for the next couple of months.
Stay safe and happy cooking...