Full question
This year I bought some 280ml glass screw top jars, instead of Kilner jars. Unfortunately they have metal lids. Is there a way I can still use them to make Nigella's gorgeous Chilli Jam, which I make every year for gifts?
Our answer
Nigella's Chilli Jam (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) is a popular christmas gift and perfect for the festive season and it pairs well with with cheeses, ham and leftover cold turkey. The jam is made with apple cider vinegar and this is very acidic, so can corrode metal. However most screw-top jars, especially those sold for jams and chutneys, come with metal lids that are lined with plastic. This protects the metal and also helps the lids to form a tight seal. If your jars have this type of lid then they should be fine.
If you have all metal lids, or are concerned that the lids on your jars do not seal tightly, then you can cover the jar with a wax disc and cellophane cover and then screw the lid on top of the cellophane. Packages of pre-cut wax discs and cellophane covers for varying sizes of jars can be bought on-line and from some cookware stores. The lids of the jars should be sterilized, in the same way as the jars, before use. For instructions, plus home-made Christmas gift inspiration, go to Nigella's Christmas gift ideas.
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