Friday, August 12, 2011

Making Fruit Jam Without Pectin



3 cups any fruit cut up into small pieces
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice if needed

Mix fruit with sugar in a wide bottom sauce pan or frying pan. Add lemon juice unless the fruit is very tart. Cook over medium heat until thickened and mixture coats the back of a spoon - about 15-20 minutes. You can test jelling by dropping a tiny amount on a cold plate that has been in the freezer for five minutes. Once the mixture is thickened pour into a clean hot pint jar. Top with canning lid and tighten with a ring. If planning to use, store in the refrigerator. If long term storage is desired, seal in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Note: I have used this basic recipe of 3 parts fruit to one part sugar using a variety of fruit. It works well every time. For a gourmet touch try mixing different fruits and berries and adding various flavorings like lavender, almond or vanilla extract, thyme, mint, whatever.