Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups Northern Fox grapes
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Water bath canner
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the grapes and remove the stems.
2. In a large pot, combine the grapes, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the grapes have burst and the mixture has thickened, about 30-40 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
6. Return the pot to the heat and continue cooking the mixture until it reaches the gel stage, about 10-15 minutes. To test for the gel stage, place a small amount of the mixture on a chilled plate and see if it sets.
7. Once the jam has reached the gel stage, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
8. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
9. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and place the lids and bands on the jars.
10. Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
11. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a wire rack.
12. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals and store the jam in a cool, dry place.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 3-4 cups of jam
Nutritional information:
Calories: 50 per tablespoon
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of grape for this recipe, but the flavor and color of the jam may vary.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can use honey or maple syrup 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 red wine for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal note.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a potato masher to help break down the grapes while they cook.
- Be careful when blending the hot jam, as it can splatter and burn you.
- To sterilize the canning jars, wash them in hot, soapy water and then place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Storage instructions:
Store the jam in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the jam, place the jar in a pot of simmering water until the jam is warm and spreadable.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the jam on toast, scones, or biscuits.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh grapes or a sprig of mint.
Pairings:
Pair the jam with cheese, crackers, or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the jam with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the jam doesn't set, you can re-cook it with a bit more sugar or lemon juice.
- If the jam is too thick, you can add a bit of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Always use clean, sterilized canning jars to prevent contamination.
- Follow proper canning procedures to ensure the jars seal properly.
Food history:
Grape jam has been a popular preserve for centuries, with recipes dating back to ancient Rome.
Flavor profiles:
The Northern Fox grape has a sweet, fruity flavor with a slightly tart finish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the jam as a condiment for breakfast or as a dessert topping.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A