Let's JAM!

Over the weekend, I made my 1ST attempt at "jamming". A friend of mine had made some homemade jam over Christmas and handed out the jars as gifts. I thought that was a sweet idea so I thought, why not for Valentine's Day! I remember my Aunts making jam (or maybe it was my grandma Betty-can't be too sure) and it's something I've always wanted to try. I also want to try making our own pickles someday too but I think that is a little more complicated. I made strawberry and blueberry but I'm really wanting to try peach and also a strawberry habanero/jalepeno recipe too. This was an awesome thing to do with my daughter who enjoyed crush, stirring and eating the berries while making the jam. We gave jam to her teachers, some neighbors and the grandparents. Have fun and enjoy!

Ingredients and What You Will Need:

your favorite fruit (lots of it)

SUGAR

jars, rings and lids (found at most grocery stores-I bought a box of 12 jars that came with rings and lids)

liquid pectin (also found at most grocery stores next to the jars/lids)Butter

Lemon

Recipes I used:

Blueberry:

4 1/2 cups of blueberries

8 cups of sugar

2 pouches of liquid pectin

1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon melted butter

Strawberry:

4 cups of whole strawberries

7 cups of sugar

1 pouch of liquid pectin

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions:

In a large stockpot, boil jars, rings and lids for several minutes. This is the most important part of the process because they need to be disinfected. Otherwise, your jam will become contaminated and yucky when you open to use. Using tongs, remove the jars and rings and set face up on clean paper towels. Be careful not to touch any part of these with your fingers. Leave the lids in the pot or set aside in a bowl of hot water until you are ready to use.

Crush fruit in a large bowl using a potato masher, large fork or grated spoon. Leave fruit somewhat chunky so your jam will have a nice, fruity texture. Mix the fruit and sugar and also add lemon juice and melted butter. Mix then let set for about 10 minutes.

Place fruit and sugar mixture in a large pot over stove. Heat on high and stir continuously until it comes to a rolling boil. Once you've reached a rolling boil, add your liquid pectin. Continue to boil and stir for 1 minute.

Skim off any foam that is left on the top. Using a funnel or large spoon (I used a little measuring cup) poor your jam into jars being careful not to touch inside of jars with your fingers. Using your tongs, retrieve the lids from the hot water and place on jar then screw on the rings.

Turn jars upside down for about 20-30 minutes. This will seal the lid. You know they are ready to turn over when you press the center of the lid and it no longer puckers.

For an extra touch, add fabric, cute ribbon and/or labels. I used some leftover fabric I had and did my best to make it look Valentiney.