Are you ready to transform the vibrant taste of fresh cherries into a luscious, homemade cherry jam? This recipe is your ticket to jarred perfection, perfect for spreading on toast, topping your yogurt, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. Forget store-bought jams filled with added sugars and preservatives – this homemade version is bursting with natural cherry flavor and is surprisingly easy to make! This recipe makes use of pectin, ensuring a perfect set every time, even for beginners in the kitchen. It's one of those best recipes that's both delicious and incredibly satisfying to create.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups pitted fresh cherries (about 2 pounds)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup liquid pectin (low or medium-set)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract (for added flavor complexity)
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Several clean, sterilized half-pint jars
- Canning lids and rings
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Cherries:
- Gently wash the cherries and remove the stems and pits. You can do this manually or with a cherry pitter for faster results. If you prefer a chunkier jam, roughly chop the cherries. For a smoother consistency, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor.
Making the Jam:
- Combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in the large saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. This is crucial to prevent scorching.
- Once boiling, stir in the liquid pectin and continue to boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is the key to the perfect set!
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the almond extract (if using). Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
Canning the Jam:
- Ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean.
- Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them to fingertip tightness.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust according to your altitude – check a canning guide for specific instructions based on your location).
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. You should hear a satisfying “pop” as the jars seal.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe, flavorful cherries for the best tasting jam.
- Make sure your jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage. This is a crucial step for safe canning.
- Don't skip the lemon juice! It helps with the setting process and adds brightness to the flavor.
- If you don't have a cherry pitter, you can easily pit cherries by cutting them in half and using a small spoon or a chopstick to remove the pits.
Variations:
- Spicy Cherry Jam: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of chili extract for a delightful kick.
- Cherry Almond Jam: Increase the almond extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a more pronounced almond flavor.
- Cherry Vanilla Jam: Substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract for a classic combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact amount of jam per serving and the type of cherries used. However, a general estimate would be:
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories
- Sugar: High in natural sugars from the cherries and added sugar.
- Fiber: Moderate amount from the cherries.
This cherry jam recipe is a simple yet rewarding way to preserve the taste of summer. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes made easily at home, making it a great addition to any cook’s repertoire. Whether you are looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas, this homemade jam is a versatile and delightful option. Enjoy!