Amish Christmas Jam

$You need fresh fruits for this jam. I use: - 4 cups strawberries, hulled and halved - 2 cups raspberries - 2 cups blueberries These fruits give the jam its bright color and sweet taste. Strawberries add a lovely base. Raspberries bring a tangy kick. Blueberries add depth and balance. Choose ripe fruit for the best flavor. Next, gather sugar and lemon juice. You will need: - 5 cups sugar - 1/4 cup lemon juice Sugar helps the jam thicken and sweetens it. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness. It also acts as a natural preservative. Lastly, don't forget the pectin. You need: - 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin Pectin is important for creating that perfect jam texture. It helps the jam set well. Without it, your jam may be runny, so make sure to add it when boiling the mixture. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your fruit. You need 4 cups of hulled strawberries, 2 cups of raspberries, and 2 cups of blueberries. Combine the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in a large pot. Use a potato masher to lightly mash the fruit. This step helps release their natural juices. Let the fruit mixture sit for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. After 15 minutes, add 5 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the fruit. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Let the mixture sit for another 10 minutes. This time helps the fruit soak up the sugar. Next, place the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once it boils, add the packet of fruit pectin. Boil for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring all the time. This step thickens your jam. When done boiling, remove the pot from heat. Skim off any foam that forms on top. Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth. Seal each jar with a lid and band. If you want, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures they seal well for long storage. Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. After that, store them in your fridge or pantry. To make Amish Christmas Jam truly shine, use ripe fruits. The sweeter the fruit, the better the jam. You can mix different berries, like blackberries or cranberries, for new tastes. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring warmth to the jam. Just a small amount can make a big difference. Proper sealing keeps your jam fresh. After you fill the jars, wipe the rims with a clean cloth. This helps the lid seal well. If you choose to process the jars in a boiling water bath, it adds extra safety. Make sure the water covers the jars completely for five to ten minutes. Store your jam in a cool, dark place. It lasts longer this way. Once opened, keep the jar in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to three weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the jam. Just leave some space in the jar for expansion when it freezes. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly picked or frozen fruits for the best flavor. The quality of your fruits will directly impact the taste of your jam. Proper Sterilization: Ensure your jars are properly sterilized before filling them to prevent spoilage. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Testing for Set: To check if your jam has set, place a small amount on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it's ready! Creative Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding other fruits or spices, such as cinnamon or vanilla, to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste. {{image_2}} You can change up the fruit in Amish Christmas Jam. For example, try using peaches or cherries. These fruits give a unique taste. You can also mix in blackberries or cranberries for extra flavor. Each fruit adds its own charm. This lets you make a jam that fits your taste. Just remember to keep the same amounts of fruit. Adding spices can make your jam special. You can stir in cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. This adds a cozy feel, perfect for the holidays. Vanilla or almond extract can also work wonders. Just a drop or two can change the whole taste. These flavors can bring the joy of Christmas to your kitchen. If you prefer less sugar, you can still enjoy this jam. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. This gives you a sweet taste without the calories. You can also use less sugar overall. Just remember that it may not set as firmly. Keep an eye on the cooking time. The flavors will still shine through, making a tasty treat. To keep your Amish Christmas jam fresh, store it in clean jars. After sealing, place the jars in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight. If you have opened a jar, put it in the fridge. Use a clean spoon each time to keep it safe. Amish Christmas jam can last up to a year if stored properly. Unopened jars keep well in a pantry. Once opened, the jam stays good for about three weeks in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage before using. You can freeze Amish Christmas jam for longer storage. Freezing keeps the jam fresh for up to a year. Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion. Refrigerating is best for short-term use. Each method has its perks, so choose what works for you. You can use cornstarch or gelatin if you want a pectin-free jam. Cornstarch will thicken the jam, but you need to cook it longer. Gelatin works well, but it may change the texture a bit. I like to use fruit that is high in natural pectin, like apples or citrus. This way, you can skip the pectin altogether. Yes, you can! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits. Peaches, blackberries, or cherries work well. Just remember that the flavor will change based on what you choose. Mixing different fruits can also create a fun new taste. Experiment and find what you love most. To check if your jam has set, use the spoon test. Dip a spoon into the jam and let it cool for a moment. If it holds its shape and runs off slowly, it's ready. Another great way is to put a plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Spoon a bit of jam onto the cold plate and tilt it. If it stays in place, your jam is set! In this blog post, we explored how to make Amish Christmas Jam. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to perfect your jam. You can also try fun variations like different fruits and flavors. Making this jam brings sweet joy to your holiday season. With proper storage, it lasts long and can be shared with loved ones. Enjoy this tasty treat and make it your own!$

A delightful jam made with a mix of berries, perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the halved strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, mashing them slightly with a potato masher to release their juices.
Stir in the lemon juice and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
After 15 minutes, add the sugar to the fruit mixture, stirring well to dissolve. Let it sit for another 10 minutes.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the packet of fruit pectin and continue to boil for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a cloth, then seal each jar with a lid and band.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they're sealed properly (optional, for longer storage).
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them in the fridge or pantry.

Notes

Serve the jam in decorative jars, and label them with a festive tag. This makes a wonderful homemade gift for the holiday season!

Keyword berry, holiday, jam