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An Epic Jam Making Sunday

7/31/2013

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Homemade Jam
30 Jars of Jam

It began a week ago when Ronald, a local organic farmer, told me that his strawberries were just right for making my jam and I knew I had to do it soon because I'm going to Germany in a couple of weeks. 
 With that in mind I stocked up on  organic sugar that I like to use (this sugar is not as fine as regular sugar) and made sure I had enough jars and lids. For some time I kept a recipe for homemade pectin and this was the year I was going to try it. Last year I made strawberry jam, and mixed fruit jam, using strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and my rhubarb that I grow in my tiny little plot in front of my house. My husband's favorite is the mixed berry jam. He likes his jams spreadable and I like mine runny, dripping off my toast, and excellent over vanilla ice cream. Last year I had used powdered pectin to give the mixed berry jam the consistency my husband likes. 
On Saturday I visited my friend's Birgit and Robert, who have a wonderful piece of property, where Robert has planted a variety of usual fruit trees, berries, and a fantastic  vegetable garden. It is a cooks paradise. We picked several pints of ripe blackberries and some green apples, not quite ready to eat but great for my homemade pectin. 
On Sunday morning I bought my flat of strawberries from Ronald at the farmer's market. At the market I also noticed that, "Dirty Girls,” another local farm, (I love the name) had strawberries for jam on sale. I couldn't resist and bought another half flat. Here I was with 19 pints of strawberries and some additional fruit waiting at home.
Picture
Robert and Birgit in their beautiful garden
Things that make jam making so much easier
​

If you don't buy anything else invest in a wooden spoon with a long handle, you need to stir the jam and it is very hot. Your three dollars investment will keep your arms from looking like Scar Face.
Make sure you have a tall pot because the jam will often bubble up dramatically and you don't want sticky jam on your stove top. A wide funnel will be a jam makers little helper when ladling the jam into the jars. I love it. 
This year I added a pair of silicon glove pot holders to my arsenal. They're ok to have but not really necessary. I used them instead of tongs to get the jars and bands out of the hot water. 
​
Homemade jams
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Have fun with your jam making. Once you have made homemade jam you and your will never eat the commercial stuff again. Many recipes call for adding spices and other favors. I 'm a purist when it comes to jam making. Using ripe fruit that has just been picked needs no other flavors in my humble opinion.
Picture
Strawberry Jam 
with Homemade Pectin
View Recipe
Homemade Pectin
View Recipe

​Strawberry Jam
View Recipe
Rhubarb Strawberry and Blackberry Jam
View Recipe
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    WELCOME TO SUNNY COVE CHEF

    Thank you for visiting my blog.  My two passions are cooking and traveling. Traveling exposes me to a wide variety of food and experiences. I walk around cities looking for markets, restaurants, bakeries, shops, you name it, and if it is related to food you will find me there, tasting, smelling, talking to vendors, and having a great time.

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    If you  have tried any of my recipes, snap a photo and tag me @sunnycovechef I'd love to see your creations!​


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    • Appetizers
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