I decided to try and make my own Jam with things I had on hand.
I had several apples and read online that I could make my own pectin with apples. So decided that I could probably make my own jam if I combined apple with some frozen fruit.
This is entirely an experiment and I have no idea if it will work or not. But I *think* it will. :) If nothing else we will have some lovely topping for some pancakes or something.
So what I have done is cut and quartered 5 medium sized apples and added 2 cups of water. I waited until those were cooked util they were soft and then I added 2 cups of frozen mixed raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. I cooked those until they were completely soft and then mashed the whole pot together. I picked the apple skins out of the pot since I did not want them in my finished product.
I then added 3 cups of sugar and a half a cup of water to the mashed fruit. I continued to cook this until it was about half its volume and was thicker then before. This took a few hours on very low heat. I did not want the fruit to scorch so I cooked it very low and stirred it often. Once it seemed thick enough I did the "freezer test" which requires you to place a small bit and place it in a bowl then put it in the freezer. If it sets up then it is done.
I placed my jam into several recycled containers I had on hand since I did not have any mason jars. The kids loved this jam and it turned out perfectly, especially since it was an experiment and I was not sure it would turn out.
Crystal, that sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteLast year I attempted grape jam from our grape vines, and it turned out delish too. I tried it both "au naturel" and with added pectin -- the added pectin made it firmer, but the natural way made a delicious soft jam that was fabulous on ice cream!
Hmm . . . I think I may still have a jar or two. Must look in the cellar fridge. This year, the deer ate ALL the grapes!
Cass
Cass~ I have never had home made grape jam before. I grew a strong aversion to grape jam as a child when that was all my mom bought. Even the smell of grape jelly makes me wince. I have learned as an adult that grape things can be ok in moderation. :)
ReplyDeleteI plan on making tons of apple butter and even apple jelly as soon as I pick up some pectin and some jars. :)
Wow, you did great with your jam-improvising (no pun intended-lol)!
ReplyDeleteI routinely use apple in my jams to provide the pectin. I cut a small apple into 8ths (small batch of jam), and leave it in until the jam passes the gel-test. Then I scoop out the apple pieces and pour up the jam. THEN I scrap the cooked apple off the peels and we eat it as sinfully sweet, flavored applesauce.
When I made grape jam, I used wild grapes that had been given to me, and it didn't taste or smell like store-bought at all (it was better). I think it's because store-bought uses Concord grapes, and most of us can't get those... well, not here in the South, anyway. So if you get your hands on some red grapes or muscadines or something, give it a try.
That sounds like great jam to me. I'm so glad it turned out. I attempted plum jam last year. I messed up and it turned into more of a syrup, but it was still good.
ReplyDeleteWow! That sounds yummy. I've always wanted to try a jam, but never seem to keep fruit around long enough to make any! My kids are fruitaholics it seems...Glad it turned out great. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
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