Almost Raspberry Jam Recipes

RASPBERRY FREEZER JAM

Steps:

• 1. Add 6 cups of raspberries to a food processor or blender. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, and blend till you get it as smooth as you like. 2. Pour your mixture into a mixing bowl and add the Ultra Gel. Whisk together till well incorporated and there are no lumps. 3. If you like jam ultra smooth, add the Ultra Gel to the blender or food processor and continue till well incorporated. 4. Let your freezer jam rest at this point for 3-5 minutes to set up. 5. Now you can spoon your raspberry freezer jam into your freezer safe jelly jars or containers. Make sure to leave at least a 1/2 inch head space if using jars. 6. Freezer jam will expand a bit when it freezes and your jar will break if you fill it all the way. 7. Freeze for up to two years. (After two years it is still good to eat, but has some discoloration and loses some nutrients.) Thaw and enjoy from the refrigerator for up to two weeks... It won't last that long!

HUGH'S PRIZEWINNING RASPBERRY FRIDGE JAM

Steps:

• Start by picking over the raspberries very carefully and discarding any leaves or stems. Put half of the fruit into a preserving pan and use a potato masher to coarsely crush it. Add the remaining fruit and sugar (the mixture will look mouthwateringly good).
• Stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a rolling boil, then boil for exactly 5 minutes. (If you prefer a firmer jam, continue boiling at this stage for a further 2 to 3 minutes.) Remove from the heat, stirring to disperse any scum.
• It is important to pour and cap this low-sugar jam quickly (see pp. 21-22), but you must allow it to cool just a little first (give it 5 to 6 minutes) to prevent all those little raspberry seeds from rushing to the top of the jar, leaving you with half a jar of raspberry jelly and half a jar of raspberry seeds. Use within 1 year.
• Flavorful ripe strawberries give very good results with this simple recipe too. Hull the strawberries, halve or quarter larger ones, and continue as above.

RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Toss the raspberries, sugar and lemon zest and juice in a medium saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the berry juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the raspberries to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 25 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or spoon through it. If the jam holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, covered tightly. Jam will keep in the refrigerator up to 6 months.

QUICK RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• In a large skillet, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook over high, stirring, until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Reduce to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer 3/4 cup jam to an airtight container. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain remaining jam into container, pressing on solids. Discard seeds. Stir jam to combine: Let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate, up to 1 month.

OLD-FASHIONED RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• 1. Place sugar in an ovenproof shallow pan and warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 15 minutes. (Warm sugar dissolves better.)
• 2. Place berries in a large stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Bring to a full boil over high heat, mashing berries with a potato masher as they heat. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• 3. Add warm sugar, return to a boil, and boil until mixture will form a gel (see tips, below), about 5 minutes.
• 4. Ladle into sterilized jars and process as directed for Shorter Time Processing Procedure .
• Tip: To make a small boiling-water canner, tie several screw bands together with string or use a small round cake rack in the bottom of a large covered Dutch oven. Be sure the pan is high enough for 2 inches (5 cm) of water to cover the jars when they are sitting on the rack.