Blog,  Recipe

Freezer Jam

As promised here is the freezer jam recipe that I love!

Okay, so I know that this is not a canning jam recipe.  I am not a caner……yet!!  I’m working on it, but not there yet.  With that being said it doesn’t mean I don’t love homemade jam or that i don’t love to make it.  I totally do!  I just don’t can it, I FREEZE it!!

So one reason I freeze it is because I don’t know how to can….yet!!  The other reason is this is something that my middle daughter Paige and i love to do together and it’s super easy.  This is quality time with her and I and I know that it is something that she looks forward to every year.

We started a few years ago making homemade Peach jam and we fell in love with it!  Then for the past tow years we made Strawberry jam and she has already asked when we are making more Peach!  We have even been looking into making a few mix fruit varieties as well.  We’ll keep you posted!!

You all know that I am big on branching out from the written recipes and following my own path, but this is probably the one time I’m going to tell you NOT to do that.  For this YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS TO THE LETTER!!  Trust me!!

Now, that being said let’s get started.  As I have said I have made both Strawberry and Peach and the fresher the fruit the better the jam.

For my freezer jam I use Sure Jell Certo Liquid Pectin.  I like this the best as it involves NO cooking!  Perfect for kids.  The best thing about this product is the Recipe guide that is found inside the box!  You get two packs of Certo in a box.

For the most part every recipe will call for fruit, certo , sugar, lemon juice and/or water.  Again super easy.

Make sure all your fruit is clean and if needed peeled, especially the peaches!  Now if you trust your little one (still use plenty of supervision) allow them to cut up the fruit.

For the next part I use a potato masher, really helps get the aggression out, but you can also use a blender or food processor.  It really depends on how chunky you like your jam.  This is my daughters favorite part.  She loves to smash up the fruit.

Once the fruit is to your liking, you need to add the correct amount of sugar.  This will depend on what freezer jam you are making as to how much you need to add.  Remember that you need to follow the recipe on the CERTO exactly or your jam will not set right.

Once the sugar is added, mix it very well and let it sit for 10 minutes, while you stir is up occasionally.  This is important to make sure that everything gets good and dissolved.

Great.  Now we need to add the CERTO and Lemon juice and/or water depending on what recipe you choose, to a small bowl and mix to combine.
Now, add this mixture to your fruit and mix well.  You need to mix this for 3 minutes or until all the sugar is completely dissolved.  This is very important to unsure that the jam will set right, so make sure the sugar is all dissolved.
Once you are sure all the sugar is good and dissolved, you can go ahead and pour into your container, making sure to leave a 1/2 inch head space.
I have used both glass and plastic jars for making and freezing my jam, so it really doesn’t matter which one you choose, just make sure that you leave enough head space for expansion when freezing.
Once all your jars are filled, let them sit out for 24 hours to set before placing them in your freezer.
When we make this jam one jar always goes in the fridge right away and the rest go in the freezer for later.  It will keep in the fridge for 3 weeks and the freezer for a year.
This is a great way to keep fresh local produce all year round.  I love to be able to take a jar out of my fridge or freezer and have the fresh jam taste whenever I want.  It is great anytime of the year and one of my favorite things to eat with it is bagels.
CERTO makes a variety of different products that can be very helpful when it comes to preserving your favorite local produce.  Look here for some helpful hints and recipes.
I may not be an expert on canning, but I do think I make an awesome freezer jam!  Now is the time to get out there and make the most of what local farmers have to offer.  Freeze it and keep it all year round, plus it is a great way to teach and spend time with my kids and let’s face it that’s what cooking is all about.
Happy Freezing & ENJOY!!

Hi everyone. I am a mother of 3 crazy kids, 1 racing husband, 3 cats and a dog! Needless to say life at my house is pretty crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love to cook, bake, read, craft and enjoy life. I would love to share with you some of my favorite tips, tricks, recipes and products that have been a staple in my life. So hears to life and the joy you make of it!

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