We actually ran out of jam this past year. I had to resort to buying it at the grocery store. Maybe this does not seem like a big deal to some… but around here it was almost unfathomable. I grew up Jamming. My mom displayed her jam jars with pretty calico fabric tops proudly in the kitchen. There were always plenty on hand to give out as gifts and with the yearly canning… it never seemed to run out. Well, after being a bit busy the past few years with young kiddos we were behind on jamming and at last the cupboard was bare. So we have vowed that this is the summer for some series jamming and canning. Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries will be jammed and syruped. There will be pickles and pepper relish. Mint jelly, applesauce and well… the list goes on. Maybe it is a bit ambitious to catch up all in one summer but we are trying.
Up first… strawberries! My mom and I took the kids out to pick with the thought that we would pick for awhile to get the kids involved (our picking in the last few years only yielded enough for single batch of strawberry shortcake) and we would buy the rest at the farm stand. Well, the kids were actually quite helpful this year. They both happily picked for awhile and more importantly were just on their very best behavior so we could do some series picking ourselves. ‘B’ was quite happy strapped to my back, she even dosed off for a nap, and we were able to pick about 40lbs of berries. It helped that we had the nicest picking day I ever remember. 65 and partly sunny… can’t beat that!
After cleaning and cooking… we now have several beautiful rows of Strawberry Jams and Syrups stacked up. And a couple weeks off before the next round.
Waiting for the wagon to the fields.
The kids in the field.
Bug picking strawberries.
Fairy picking strawberries.
Picking with Pixie on my back.
Pixie discovered the bowl of cleaned berries.
Updating….
Just thought I would share the fruits of our labor ;). Isn’t that a beautiful site! Rows and rows of Strawberry Jam stacked in brand new, homemade cabinets. No there are no doors yet, but who cares when the shelves are so prettily filled. That is my mom’s “new” kitchen.
Jam on biscuits, jam on toast,
Jam is the thing that I like most.
Jam is sticky, jam is sweet,
Jam is tasty, jam’s a treat —
Raspberry, strawberry, gooseberry, I’m very
FOND… OF… JAM!
I was wondering what what ratio of strawberries (weight) to jam you make. I was also wondering if you have a particular way of making the jam or recipe you would not mind sharing.
Thank you so much! New jammer here.
Hi Sara, I actually have the most success just following the recipe that comes with the Sure Jell. It is at least a good place to start. 🙂 Good luck.