Recipe - Strawberry Surprise Freezer Jam

To wrap up our week on the delicious topic of berries, here is a tasty way to preserve some for the colder months. Freezer jams are easy because they don't require an intensive canning process, and they will keep quite well in the freezer, and even in the refrigerator for some time. Often, like this one, the fruit is not cooked, which gives it a fresher taste, and also keeps the color vibrant. This one has a special and unusual ingredient that makes it a bit more interesting. Give it a try, and feel free to post your comments and suggestions below.

Strawberry Surprise Freezer Jam:

Image by Esalota via FlickrWhat You'll Need:
1 pt boxes of fresh strawberries, washed, drained and hulls removed
2 1/2 C of fresh pineapple, peeled and finely chopped
7 C sugar
2 pkgs (1 3/4 oz) powdered pectin
1 C cold water
4 pt freezer containers with lids

How to Make It:

1. Place strawberries in a large mixing bowl. Crush the strawberries with a potato masher.
2. Measure out 2 1/2 C strawberries and place in a separate bowl.
3. Add the pineapple to the strawberries.
4. Slowly add the sugar and stir until well combined.
5. Place the cold water in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the pectin.
7. Stir continuously until water begins to boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat.
8. Pour the water mixture into with the fruit.
9. Stir well to combine. Continue stirring 4 minutes.
10. Pour into the pint freezer containers and cover.
11. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
12. Freeze after 24 hours.

Jam will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months. To use, remove from freezer and allow to come to room temperature, about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

More Delicious Jam Recipes:
   

Video - How to Make Jams & Preserves

Here is a short but very comprehensive video that shows step-by-step how to make berry jams and preserves. It includes ingredients and equipment needed, and step-by-step instructions for each part of the process - all in less than 4 minutes!  This one is definitely worth checking out, whether you've never made jam before, or just need a refresher.

Preserve some of those delicious summer berries for later!

How To Make Jams and Preserves
Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from goluxx and more videos in the Sauces, Dressings & Condiments category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY gui...


Helpful Canning Equipment:
    

Recipe - Peachy Freezer Jam

This time of year, I am tempted to start preserving some of the bountiful fruits & veggies for the colder months (much as I don't want to think about that right now!). I will try to share a few recipes and articles related to preserving foods over the next couple of months. One of the best ways to ensure you have good healthy food year round is to preserve it yourself during the summer months. Today I will share a nice recipe for freezer jam. Freezer jams are nice because they are easy, safe, fresh, and tasty. I have lots of fresh peaches these days, so I plan to make some of this myself soon!  Try it out, and let me know what you think.

Image by jeffreyw via Flickr

Peachy Freezer Jam: (makes 4 pints)
 
What You Need:

3 lbs peaches

2 TB ginger

5 C sugar

2 pkgs (1 3/4 oz) powdered pectin

1 C cold water

4 (1 pint) freezer containers with lids

How to Make It:

1. Remove the pits from the peaches and peel. 
2. Chop peaches up very fine to make about 4 C. 
3. Place peaches in a large mixing bowl. Add ginger and stir together. 
4. Slowly add the sugar and mix until well combined. 
5. Place the cold water in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Add the pectin. 
6. Bring to a boil being sure to stir continuously. 
7. When water comes to a rapid boil cook 1 minute. 
8. Remove from heat and pour into fruit. 
9. Stir until all is combined. Continue to stir 4 minutes. 
10. Pour mixture into the 1 pint freezer containers and cover with lids. 
11. Leave standing at room temperature for 1 full day (24 hours). 
12. Freeze for up to 6 months.

When ready to use remove from freezer and allow to come to room temperature about 1 to 2 hours. Once thawed, freezer jam will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Related Articles on Jam & Preserves:

• #Utah Raspberry Freezer Jam by Weeks Berries of Paradise (weeksberries.wordpress.com)
• Strawberry Blueberry Cherry Jam (willowandbee.wordpress.com)
• Freezer Jam, Saving that Summer Sweetness (beast4romtheeast.wordpress.com)
• Peachy Keen: 15 Best Recipes with Peaches Recipe Roundup (thekitchn.com)

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