Amish Christmas Jam

$Amish Christmas Jam shines with its fresh fruit base. You will need: - 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved - 2 cups fresh raspberries - 2 cups fresh blueberries These fruits blend together to make a sweet and tangy mix. Strawberries add a nice sweetness, while raspberries bring a zesty touch. Blueberries offer a rich flavor that balances the jam. Next, we add sweetness and brightness. The key ingredients are: - 5 cups granulated sugar - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Granulated sugar helps the jam set and preserves it. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor. The citrus also helps the fruit colors pop, making your jam vibrant. Pectin is crucial for the jam-making process. You need: - 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin Pectin helps the jam thicken. It binds the fruit and sugar, creating that perfect spreadable texture. Without it, your jam might be runny, and we want it to be just right. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Place the halved strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in a spacious pot. Using a potato masher, gently mash the fruits. This helps release their juices. Once mashed, let the fruit mixture rest for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend well. After the fruit has rested, sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the mixture. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves. This can take a few minutes. Let it sit for another 10 minutes. During this time, the fruits absorb the sweetness, adding depth to your jam. Now, set the pot over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up. Bring it to a gentle boil. Once you see a rolling boil, add the packet of fruit pectin. Keep stirring and boil for an additional 1-2 minutes. This ensures everything combines nicely. After this, remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface. This step helps ensure a clear jam. While still hot, pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth for a good seal. Securely place the lids and bands on each jar. For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. Let the jars cool completely before storing them. To know when your jam is thick enough, use a spoon. Dip the spoon into the jam. If it coats the back and forms a line when you run your finger through it, it's ready. This method helps you see the right texture. You want it to be spreadable, not too runny. Always skim off the foam after cooking. Foam can make your jam look cloudy. Use a spoon to gently remove it. Also, jars must be clean and sterilized. You can boil them in water or run them through the dishwasher. This step helps keep your jam fresh longer. You can add spices to make your jam special. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. Vanilla extract can give a sweet touch. You can also mix in a bit of orange zest for a fresh twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend! Pro Tips Use Fresh Fruit: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh, ripe fruit. Frozen fruit can change the consistency of the jam. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the fruit mixture before adding all the sugar. Depending on the ripeness of the fruit, you may want to adjust the sugar to your preference. Check Jam Consistency: To test if the jam is set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and run your finger through it. If it holds its shape, it’s ready! Label and Date Jars: When storing your jam, label each jar with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of freshness and enjoy it at its best! {{image_4}} You can mix other fruits to make unique jams. Try using blackberries or peaches. These fruits add their own sweet taste. You can even combine different berries, like strawberries and blackberries. Each choice brings a new flavor twist. Experimenting with fruit combinations keeps the jam fresh and fun. If you want a healthier jam, consider using honey or agave. These add sweetness without white sugar. You can also try low-sugar options designed for jams. These can be great for those watching their sugar intake. Adjust the amount based on the fruit's natural sweetness. This way, you can create a jam that fits your needs. Adding spices can make your jam special. Think about using cinnamon or nutmeg during the holidays. These spices bring warmth and comfort to every bite. You can mix in a teaspoon of spice when cooking the jam. This small change can make your jam feel festive and cozy. To store Amish Christmas Jam well, you need to seal the jars correctly. First, use sterilized jars. After pouring in the hot jam, leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth to remove any jam. This step helps the lid seal tightly. Place the lid on and screw on the band until it's snug but not too tight. If you want extra safety, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. This step helps prevent spoilage and keeps the jam fresh longer. Amish Christmas Jam can last a year if sealed well and stored in a cool, dark place. Keep the jars in your pantry or a cool cupboard. After opening a jar, store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three weeks once opened. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or mold. If you see any, throw it out to stay safe. Freezing Amish Christmas Jam is a great way to keep it fresh even longer. Use freezer-safe jars or containers. Leave space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags, but remove as much air as possible. When you want to use it, thaw the jam in the fridge overnight. Never refreeze jam once it has thawed, as this can change the texture and taste. Enjoy your jam all year round! Amish Christmas Jam is a sweet spread made from fresh berries. It often includes strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This jam holds special meaning for the Amish. They make it to celebrate the joy of the season. The vibrant colors and flavors make it perfect for holiday gifts. The jam symbolizes sharing and community during festive times. Yes, you can use frozen fruits. Frozen fruits change the texture of the jam slightly. They may make it slightly more watery. To fix this, you can cook it a bit longer. Just be sure to thaw the fruits first. This ensures the jam still has great flavor. You can tell if your jam has set by doing a simple test. Place a spoonful of the hot jam on a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it holds its shape, it’s ready! Another sign is when it looks thick and shiny. Both methods help you achieve the perfect jam consistency. Making Amish Christmas Jam is simple and fun. We explored fresh fruit, sugar, and essential pectin to create a tasty treat. Preparing the fruit is key, along with boiling and getting the right texture. Keep in mind tips like avoiding common mistakes and trying unique flavor variations. Proper storage is vital for lasting enjoyment. Remember, you can use different fruits and sweeteners to make this jam your own. Enjoy your jam-making journey and share this deliciousness with family and friends.$

A delightful and festive jam made with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, perfect for holiday gifting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Ingredients

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
2 cups fresh raspberries
2 cups fresh blueberries
5 cups granulated sugar
0.25 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin

Instructions

In a spacious pot, combine the halved strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Using a potato masher, gently mash the fruits to release their natural juices, creating a thick and vibrant mixture.
Add the lemon juice to the fruit mixture and stir well. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes at room temperature, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
After the resting period, sprinkle the sugar evenly over the fruit and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let it sit again for another 10 minutes, allowing the fruits to absorb the sweetness.
Set the pot over medium heat, stirring constantly and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the packet of fruit pectin. Keep stirring and boil for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Remove the pot from the heat and carefully skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface to ensure a clear jam.
While the jam is still hot, pour it into sterilized jars, making sure to leave about 1/4 inch of space from the top for expansion.
Wipe the rims of each jar with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal, then securely place a lid and band on each jar.
For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. This step is optional but recommended if you plan to store the jam for an extended period.
Allow the jars to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack at room temperature before storing them in the fridge or pantry.

Notes

Serve in decorative jars with ribbons for a charming gift.

Keyword fruit, holiday, jam