Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
3. While the jam is cooking, prepare the canning jars and lids. Wash them in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Place the jars in a water bath canner and fill with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars simmer for at least 10 minutes to sterilize them.
4. When the jam is ready, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a canning funnel to ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
5. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or drips. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are just tight.
6. Place the filled jars back in the water bath canner and make sure they are covered with at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars process for 10-15 minutes, depending on your altitude.
7. When the processing time is up, turn off the heat and use a jar lifter to carefully remove the jars from the canner. Place them on a towel-lined surface and let them cool completely.
8. Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't move, the jar is sealed. Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Processing time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for cooking the jam
Boiling water for sterilizing the jars and processing the filled jars
Serving size:
Makes about 4-5 half-pint jars
Nutritional information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 60mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 42g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use frozen cherries instead of fresh, but make sure to thaw them first.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can use honey instead of sugar, but the jam may not set as well.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet, creamy flavor.
- Add some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a cherry pitter to make the process of removing the pits easier and faster.
- Stir the jam frequently while it's cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- To test if the jam is done, place a small amount on a plate and let it cool. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's ready.
- Use a canning funnel to fill the jars to prevent spills and make the process easier.
- Make sure to wipe the rims of the jars clean before placing the lids on to ensure a good seal.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Storage instructions:
Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Reheating instructions:
To use the jam, simply open a jar and spoon out the desired amount. You can heat it up in a small saucepan over low heat if you prefer it warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the jam on toast, biscuits, or scones for breakfast or brunch. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Garnishes:
Garnish the jam with a sprig of fresh mint or a few slices of fresh cherries.
Pairings:
Pair the jam with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious morning treat.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the jam with a side of fresh fruit or a bowl of oatmeal for a healthy breakfast.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the jam doesn't set properly, you can re-cook it with some additional pectin or lemon juice to help it thicken.
- If the jars don't seal properly, you can reprocess them or store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few weeks.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to follow proper canning procedures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Always use clean, sterilized jars and lids, and process the filled jars in a water bath canner for the recommended amount of time.
Food history:
Jam-making has been a popular way to preserve fruit for centuries. Cherries have been grown and enjoyed for thousands of years, and cherry jam is a classic way to enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Cherry jam is sweet, tangy, and slightly tart, with a rich, fruity flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the jam on toast, biscuits, or scones for breakfast or brunch. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
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