You know that episode of Friends when Monica tries to get over Richard by making jam, the opposite of man? And Joey proclaims, “Remember when your mom used to drop you off at the movies with a jar of jam and a spoon?” Oh, Joey, you and I have so much in common.
Jam is the best. It goes on just about anything and you can claim you’re getting one of your five a day!
There is no pectin required for this recipe. I went back and forth about adding pectin, but after consulting my mother and Martha Stewart, it seems pectin isn’t really necessary. Though, for your information, pectin is vegetarian and is derived from plants. Gelatin however is not vegetarian!
This recipe is for a reasonable amount of jam, nearly two cups. So, there’s no need to boil a million jars and make space for a Costco sized bounty in your cupboards.
Ingredients
Makes nearly two cups
4 cups assorted berries of your choice (you may use frozen)
½ cup sugar
juice of half a lemon
Method
In a bowl mash berries until you have a big chunky mess.
In a medium stockpot mix berries, sugar and lemon juice.
Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil while stirring frequently. Turn down heat to low and allow mixture to bubble, simmer and thicken for 10 minutes. Be sure to stir often while it simmers!
If you’re picky about seeds in your jam, work the mixture through a metal sieve. If you’re not so picky, save yourself the work!
Let mixture cool completely, and store in a jar, or in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Image © Yvonne Penzakov for BitchBuzz