Jammin'

     My daughter Caroline decided that she wanted to learn to make homemade canned goods this summer and although she has made it before, we decided to start with strawberry jam. We headed to a local farm stand where we were able to get some beautiful berries that had been picked this morning. We decided on three batches so we had some for us to enjoy and plenty to share with friends and family.

     We simply used the recipe on the sure-jell package which has been a fail-safe method for me. So, working together we were able to make plenty of jam in just two hours. Here is the recipe and my method. Be sure to read though ALL of the directions if you plan on making this recipe as they are important. Making jam is an exacting science, similar to baking.

Strawberry Jam
Makes ~ 8 cups of jam 

    Wash and hull 2 quarts of fresh strawberries and then crush them to make 5 cups of berries. Place in large pot with one package of Certo Sure-jell and 1/2 tsp. of butter. 

Stir over high heat until mixture comes to FULL, ROLLING boil and then stir in quickly, exactly 7 cups of sugar.

The hand on hip/tilted head stirring method is popular in our house.

Bring back to a full boil and then boil for one minute, stirring constantly. (This can be difficult work so maintaining the appropriate caffeine level is essential! >>>>>> :)


   
To prepare the jars, wash them in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. I then let the jars soak in a clean dishpan in hot water while I make the jam. I put the lids and rings in a small saucepan on the stove with some water and let them simmer. 

   Once the jam has completed cooking, fill the jars up to 1/4 inch from the top. Carefully wash the lip of the jars and then place a cap and then a ring on the jar, being sure to screw it on tightly. Invert each jar on a dishtowel for 5 minutes and then turn right side up. You will know that you have a good seal if you hear a POP after a few minutes.

   And now...the best reason to make strawberry jam....the taste testing. It is delicious with butter on some crusty bread. Yum!   enjoy- p

One of our cats, Picasso watched us through the kitchen window!