Fresh Cherry Jamand My Super Duper Secret Tool Food

HOMEMADE CHERRY JAM NO PECTIN - LOW SUGAR

Steps:

• Place two small ceramic plates in the freezer so we can use these to test the jam later. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer to check the doneness of the jam.
• Rinse drain and pit the cherries. Discard bruised or discolored ones. Chop the pitted cherries into little chunks depending on the texture you need.Pro tip - Soft cherries can be used but discolored and bruised will ruin the jam so remove those.
• In a heavy bottom pan or large saucepan combine the cherries, sugar, salt, and lemon juice.Pro tip - If you are using frozen cherries, let the cherries macerate in sugar and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. This softens the skin considerably.
• Cook on medium heat until sugar dissolves. Then, turn the heat up and let the mixture come to a full rolling boil. Let it boil for two minutes on medium high heat. Pro tip - Boiling the jam is important as it releases pectin from the skin and seeds in fruits.
• Then, turn the heat to medium-low. The jam should still be simmering but at low heat, not bubbling. Use a potato masher to mash the fruit - so you have a smoother jam-like consistency.Pro tip - Mashing the fruit is optional, as the fruit will break down into smaller chunks similar to preserve as it cooks. However, mashing will give smoother consistency like jam.
• Continue to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes more stirring often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The jam will continue to thicken as well as deepen in color as it cools.Pro tip - The cooking time will depend on the quantity of the jam as well as the heat applied to it. It's ok to cook a little longer but there must be a simmer for the fruit to release pectin.

FRESH CHERRY JAM...AND MY SUPER-DUPER SECRET TOOL!

Steps:

• Add cherries, lemon juice and salt to slow cooker; stir gently and let stand for 15 minutes to dissolve the sugar.
• Sprinkle with fruit pectin.
• Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours, stirring twice during cooking.
• Remove lid and turn to high and cook until jam reaches desired consistency. *** Since all crock pots cook differently, be sure to watch closely during this last step to avoid overcooking. Overcooking will make the jam bitter.
• Spoon into small, plastic canning storage containers and refrigerate or freeze for up to 2 months.
• *Original recipe from Food.Com

SURE.JELL CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain jars well before filling.
• Stem and pit cherries. Finely chop or grind fruit. Measure exactly 4 cups of the prepared cherries into 6- or 8-qt. saucepot. Stir in lemon juice.
• Stir pectin into fruit mixture in saucepot. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar and extract. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat; skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 min. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middles of lids with finger. (If lids spring back, lids are not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

EASY CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Put two saucers in the freezer for testing the jam later on. Tip the cherries, sugar and lemon juice into a large, heavy-based saucepan and simmer uncovered over a medium-high heat for 35-50 mins, stirring frequently until thick and glossy.
• After 35 mins, spoon a little of the jam onto one of the chilled saucers. Leave for 1 min, press a fingertip into the jam. If it starts the wrinkle, it's ready. If it slides away, continue to boil the jam for 10 mins, then test again on the other saucer.
• Spoon the jam into sterilised jars and seal. Will keep for six months unopened (when stored in a dark, cool place), or opened in the fridge for three months.

OVER-THE-TOP CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• In a food processor, cover and process cherries in batches until finely chopped. Transfer to a Dutch oven; stir in pectin and butter. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil and stir 1 minute. , Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle hot mixture into 6 hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight., Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool.