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Sweet Memories - And a recipe for homemade jam!
Topics: food, summer, family, children, recipe, jam, strawberry jam, berries
Posted by britgal Mon Jun 16, 2008 15:04:42 PDT
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One of the many signs that warm weather has arrived are the various fresh fruit stands I see as I drive around the Northwest. My husband and I love to pull over and bring home a basket or two of sweet berries - even when we are out of town. Being just the two of us, it is not uncommon to have a lot left over. Last summer, my grandmother taught me how not to let the berries go to waste: make homemade jam!

Growing up on a farm during the Depression, my grandmother's mother canned or pickled anything she could put her paws on. My grandmother Rose would stand on her tiptoes in the kitchen, gripping the tile counter top, quietly learning how to get through the upcoming winter. Her favorite thing was washing strawberries and helping her mama in the jam-making process. It was a time for them to talk about an array of things and make memories that Rose still holds precious. As Rose taught me last summer, we were able to create a new generation of memories.

 If you are looking for something special to do with your child this summer, this is a wonderful opportunity to bind together in a unique way, as well as a way to enjoy local produce while learning a new skill! I have outlined the jam-making process for you to try this summer - this is exactly the way my grandmother learned as a child (one exception: they did not use pectin; I do because the jam lasts longer).

I just brought home a flat of berries I bought on Snow Road (tastes like sunshine and sugar!) and am now ready to make some strawberry jam. Go get yours and meet me back here....

1. In addition to the fruit, you will need 8-ounce jelly jars, a box of powder pectin, a giant pot to act as a boiling-water canner, a funnel, a ladle, and some tongs. These can be found for the best price at Wal-Mart or Win-Co.

2. Fill the pot up with water and get it to a rolling boil. This takes about 30 minutes on my stove (I suggest making the jam on a summer morning, before the day really gets cooking!). Once the full boil is achieved, put the jars and lids in for sterilization - this is crucial. Ten minutes is sufficient. **After you take the jars and lids out with the tongs, let them air dry. Leave the water on a full boil - this is what you will cook the jam in later.**

3. While the boiling is going on, wash the berries in cool water, remove the hulls, and find something to begin crushing them with (I use a potato masher). You will need 5 cups of crushed berries. This takes a bit of time - be patient and enjoy hanging out with your kids while you work together! *It is recommended to NOT use a food processor - the fruit turns into a puree; besides, that takes all the fun out of it!

4. In a separate pot, toss in the berries with a box of powder pectin, as well as 4 tablespoons of *fresh* lemon juice. Stir well and allow this to reach a full boil, stirring occasionally. When the full boil is reached, pour in 7 cups of sugar - all at once. Again, allow this to reach a rolling boil. Stir constantly for one minute. Remove from heat and skim off any foam (my grandmother taught me to add two tablespoons of butter to cut down on the foam).

5. Working on a towel-covered countertop, place the funnel over the sterilized jars (one at a time, of course!) and ladle in the goodness. Leave 1/4 inch headspace and make sure the jar rim is clean by wiping with a paper towel. Seal up the jars tightly and drop into the boiling water using the tongs. Boil (covered is best) for ten minutes. After that time, turn off the flame and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional five minutes.

6. Using the tongs, take out each jar and let them cool on a towel. You will hear a *POP* - that means the lid sealed. You want to hear that sound (I have grown to love it!). If you don't hear the pop, put the jars in the fridge - that usually does the trick.

I tie a ribbon around the jars and hand them out as gifts (I even sell them at work during Christmas). Enjoy experimenting this summer with various fruits; there are countless recipes online. Make some "sweet" memories this summer!

 

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Comment From: heatherijames

i am all hyped up to go to murray family farms for berry picking just to make jam. i saw an article in my june issue of bon appetit and was inspired. although, the chef said pectin wasn't necessary so i was curious to try it out. my friend and i plan to "jam" this saturday while the men bbq outside and let the kids swim. that sounds like a wonderful summer memory already!