Nana's Strawberry Freezer Jam
Makes 5 cups
Recipe can be easily doubled and even quadrupled with good success.
Ingredients:
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1 quart fully ripe strawberries
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4 cups sugar
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¾ cup water plus one box powdered fruit pectin or one 3 oz pouch liquid pectin plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice*
*I have made this jam with both powdered and liquid pectin (I used Sure Jell brand) and it has come out perfectly both ways.
Instructions:
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Clean mason jars or plastic containers with hot soapy water or wash in dishwasher using sanitize setting. Dry completely.
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Rinse strawberries gently with clean water, pat dry, then stem and crush them thoroughly, one layer at a time using back of spoon or potato masher or pulse in food processor to desired chunky consistency.
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Measure exactly 2 cups crushed berries into a large bowl; stir in sugar, 1 cup at a time. Be as exact as possible with measurements of berries and sugar to ensure jam sets properly.
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Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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If using powdered pectin: Mix water and pectin in small saucepan; bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring 1 minute. Remove from heat and add to fruit mixture; stir constantly for three minutes or until sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy; a few sugar crystals may remain and that's okay. If using liquid pectin: Add 3oz liquid pectin pouch and lemon juice to strawberries. Stir for 3 minutes.
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Fill prepared containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops.
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Wipe off top edges and immediately cover with lids.
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Let stand at room temperature 24 hours.
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Your jam is now ready to enjoy, and can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks or frozen for up to one year.
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Thaw frozen jam in the fridge before using.
Strawberry Chia Jam
Makes ½ cup
This strawberry chia jam comes together in 10-15 minutes, has lots of fiber and requires very little added sweetener. The burst of fresh fruit flavor is outstanding!
Ingredients:
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1 cup fresh (or frozen) strawberries
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1 tablespoon chia seeds
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Maple syrup or other sweetener to taste
Instructions:
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Heat strawberries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is bubbly. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash the fruit to your desired consistency.
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Stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice until combined. Then stir in sweetener if needed and to taste.
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Remove mixture from heat and let cool and thicken, about 5 to 10 minutes.
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You can use right away or let cool completely before transferring to sealed container and placing in your refrigerator. The jam will keep for up to 1 week.
Notes:
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This recipe works well with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, and apricots.
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Try adding a pinch of spice (such as cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom) and/or lemon zest to add some zing!
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You can double or triple the recipe and store in the freezer for up to 3 months or give as gifts!