Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Basil Food

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Toss the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, lemon zest and juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the berry juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for flavor additions.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 1 1/2 hours. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or spoon through the jam. If the jam holds its shape and thickness, remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, covered tightly. Jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Place rhubarb, strawberries, lemon juice, fruit pectin, and butter into a large kettle over medium heat. (Butter is optional but helps keep jam from getting too foamy). Stir the fruit mixture to help the juice start to form, and add sugar, about 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved and the juice is starting to simmer. Turn up heat to medium-high, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, and cook and stir for 1 minute. Skim off any foam that forms.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. With a jelly funnel and a soup ladle, pack the jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 5 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. To help the jam set, don't move or touch the jars until cooled. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Inspect four 4-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Place strawberries in a large bowl and crush with a potato masher. Transfer to a 4-cup liquid measure and add enough rhubarb to reach the 4-cup mark.
• Pour fruit mixture into a large, heavy pot and sprinkle citric acid over top. Stir sugar and butter into the fruit mixture. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Mix in pectin and return to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, then turn off heat and skim off any foam. Quickly mix in chopped basil until fully incorporated.
• Ladle jam into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and let sit 8 hours to overnight to completely seal; you should hear popping sounds as each jar seals. When completely cool, the middle of each lid should be sunken inward and should not spring back when touched.

RHUBARB, STRAWBERRY, RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Slice the strawberries and rhubarb if using fresh fruit. Set aside.
• Mash and cook raspberries till they're soft and juicy. Strain through several layers of cheesecloth. Twist into a ball and SQUEEZE to get all the juice. Scrape the outside to get all the pulp. You don't need clear juice since this is jam. Skip this step if you don't mind the seeds.
• Put the strawberries, rhubarb, raspberries or strained juice and sugar in at least a 5 qt pan. Add water if needed to prevent scorching.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and cook to 220F on a candy/jelly thermometer or test for jelly by putting a couple of tablespoons on a saucer and letting it cool. Stir frequently.
• Ladle into hot canning jars. Cover with hot lids and bands.
• Process in a water bath for 20 minutes.
• Remove and allow to cool. Listen for the "pops".

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Let jars, rims and lids stand in hot water until they are ready to be filled.
• Measure the Strawberries and Rhubarb into a 6-8qt saucepan.
• Stir pectin into fruit.
• Bring to a rolling boil.
• Using a blender wand or hand masher break up the rhubarb.
• Add sugar.
• Return to a full boil and boil 1 minute.
• (It will increase in size.).
• After 1 minute of boiling, remove from heat and immediately ladle into jars leaving space of 1/8" at the top.
• Put rims and seals on jar and tighten as much as possible.
• Invert jars for 5 minutes then turn upright.
• Let sit for 24 hours before serving.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB JAM (LIQUID CERTO)

Steps:

• Prepare your jars and lids for canning. This recipe makes approximately 8 cups.
• Remove the stems from the strawberries, and crush to 2 1/4 cups. You can crush with a potato masher, food processer, or my favorite way, by hand.
• Chop rhubarb (you'll need it to measure 1 3/4 cups), place in saucepan with 1/2 cup water, bring to boil and boil about 2 minutes, or until rhubarb is soft.
• In a large (6- or 8-quart) pot, combine the strawberries, drained rhubarb, sugar, and butter if using and bring to a full rolling boil over high heat.
• Add the pectin and bring back to a boil. Boil for one minute and then remove from the heat.
• Skim off any foam (if you used the butter, there may not be any foam) and pour into your prepared jars leaving 1/8 inch headspace.
• Wipe jar rims and threads, cover with two piece lids, screw bands on and boil in a canner for 10 minutes.
• Remove jars from canner and allow to sit overnight. Check the seal, if any jars did not seal, place in the fridge and use immediately. Store properly sealed jars up to one year in a cool dry place.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Cut rhubarb into 1/2 inch pieces. Hull strawberries and cut in half.
• Place rhubarb, strawberries, sugar and lemon juice into a large heavy bottomed saucepan. Let sit for 20 minutes. Add tapioca and let sit another 20 minutes.
• Slowly heat mixture to a simmer and cook at a very low simmer for about 45 minutes, testing for consistency of jelly after a spoonful is refrigerated. (you may need to continue simmering until it reaches this consistency).
• Cool and refrigerate.