Strawberry Jam

This week I had some good friends offer me some strawberries from their garden. They had a ton that they were not going to use so I thought I would can some jam! I love the canning process so any excuse to use it I take full advantage. I am also a huge strawberry jam fan so it was a win win.

First thing when canning is to sanitize your jars. Luckily I have a sanitize setting on my dishwasher so I just popped them in and ran a load. This setting does take some time so make sure and plan that part out ahead of time. Getting your canning bath ready can also take some time so you will want to do that before you start making the jam. My parents gave me this huge graniteware water bath canner and it has been a lifesaver. You will need to fill it with water about two-thirds full and turn the burners on high.

Now it’s time to start making the jam. You need to rinse your strawberries and remove the stems. Next you place them in a bowl and either smash them by hand or use an emulsion blender. I used an emulsion blender because I like a very smooth jam. You will pour the mixture into a stock pot and add your butter and fruit pectin. Bring these ingredients to a boil stirring constantly with a wooden spoon then add your sugar. Bring this mix to a boil again and boil for one minute then remove from the heat. Skim the top of the jam to remove the film.

While you are making the jam you will want to boil a small pot of water and throw your lids in until you are ready to seal the jars. While the lids are boiling start filling the jars with the jam. I use this canning funnel to keep things clean and efficient. Fill each jar leaving about half an inch at the top.

Place a lid on each jar then put a ring on and hand tighten but not too snug. Place each jar in your canning bath and put the lid on. Leave them in the bath for about 15 minutes. Remove from the bath and set on towel. You will hear each jar pop ensuring you that your jar is sealed. Let them cool and enjoy! We love to can and will have several recipes coming your way throughout the year!

Ingredients:

• 5 cups smashed strawberries
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 packet fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
• 7 cups sugar

-Cristie