By Kathypatalsky
Fresh berry season is just around the corner and it is fun and easy to whip up some homemade jam in a variety of berry flavors. Fresh jam can be served on PB&J sandwiches (to make them super special!) over top oatmeal, your favorite yogurt or ice cream. Also delicious served over top pancakes or waffles or simple spread on toast! Get this easy recipe and have homemade jam in a flash. Plus my add-in ideas to give your jam a creative spin!.
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Small Batch Vanilla Bean Strawberry Jam
Marisa's Blueberry Butter in the Slow Cooker
Citrus Raspberry Jam
makes about 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 large container fresh raspberries (about 1 1/2 – 2 cups) - *Or try strawberries, blackberries or blueberries!
- 1 cup pure orange juice (not from concentrate)
- 1 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp corn starch (optional – helps thicken the final product)
- pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Dissolve the optional corn starch in the orange juice. Pour the OJ, zest and the raspberries into a sauce pot over high heat.
2. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture casually until it starts to boil. When it boils, turn the heat down a touch and continue allowing the mixture to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Stir every so often so the berries don’t stick to the pan.
3. When the mixture is about the consistency of a thick oatmeal, turn off the heat and pour sauce into a separate container to cool. The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools.
Creative Jam add-in’s:
Chopped apples. Adds a rustic texture and sweetness. Plus the pectin in apples helps to naturally thicken jam.
Chamomile buds or tea. Add a hint of chamomile by adding a few whole buds to your simmering jam pot. Or substitute some of the orange juice with strongly brewed tea.
Cayenne. Add a spicy accent.
Cinnamon. Add a warm accent. Pairs well with strawberries
Vanilla. Add a touch of fresh vanilla bean or vanilla extract. Pairs well with blueberries.
Rhubarb. Rhubarb pairs well with strawberries.
Fresh mint. Add chopped mint as the jam is cooling for a unique fresh flavor.
Tip! Agar Agar (a tasteless seaweed) is also a wonderful all natural thickener to use in this recipe. 1/2 tsp dissolved according to package should be about right.
Food , Recipes
