Are you overflowing with juicy, ripe plums from your garden or the farmer's market? Don't let them go to waste! Transform that abundance into a delicious and convenient freezer plum jam – a homemade treasure you can enjoy throughout the year. This recipe is perfect for busy cooks looking for easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a delightful alternative to store-bought jams. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet rewarding recipe, one of the best recipes for preserving summer's sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups ripe plums, pitted and roughly chopped (about 1 pound)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Plums
Wash and pit your plums thoroughly. Roughly chop them into smaller pieces; you don’t need to be overly precise. The size of the pieces will influence the final jam texture – smaller pieces create a smoother jam.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (stainless steel or enamel-coated are ideal), combine the chopped plums, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with sugar.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally. The jam will start to thicken as the plums break down and release their juices. This process typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on the ripeness of your plums.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
The jam is ready when it reaches the setting point. You can test this by placing a small spoonful of jam onto a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute, then push the jam with your finger. If the surface wrinkles and doesn't run, it's ready!
Step 5: Cool and Freeze
Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, carefully ladle the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your freezer plum jam is now ready to be enjoyed! It will keep in the freezer for up to a year. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother jam: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the jam once it's cooked.
- Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like cardamom, allspice, or ginger.
- Add a touch of sweetness: If your plums are particularly tart, you can add a little extra sugar to taste.
- Make it chunky: Leave the plums in larger chunks for a more rustic jam texture.
- Sterilize your jars: For longer storage (though not strictly necessary for freezing), sterilize your jars before filling them with the hot jam.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Varies depending on plum variety and sugar used.
- Sugar: High in naturally occurring sugars from the plums and added sugar.
- Fiber: Good source of fiber from the plums.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A and C.
This freezer plum jam recipe is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy quick dinner ideas or delightful snacks throughout the year. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!