Plum Strawberry Jam Recipes

PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Place the plums and water into a large pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar, and add butter to reduce foaming, if needed. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly, and then mix in the pectin quickly. Return the jam to a full boil, and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and skim off and discard any foam.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the plum jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/8 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area. Refrigerate opened jars for up to 3 weeks.

PLUM-STRAWBERRY JAM

Steps:

• In a large pot or a Dutch oven, toss the strawberries and plums with the sugar. Let stand for at least 1 hour, tossing occasionally to encourage the fruits to release their juices.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to make sure the mixture is not burning on the bottom, until the jam reaches the jelling point (use the wrinkle test, page 256, to judge when it's done).
• Ladle the jam into clean jars. Cover tightly, let cool, and refrigerate.
• Storage
• The jam will keep for at least 6 months in the refrigerator.

SKILLET STRAWBERRY-PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Dice 1 pound red plums; toss with 1 pound quartered strawberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and the juice of 1 lemon in a bowl. Cover and let stand 2 to 6 hours. Transfer to a large skillet. Add 1/3 cup honey; cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and registers 220 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 30 minutes. Fill sterilized jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace, then seal and process for 15 minutes.
• TIP: This jam is delicious with butter on a crusty baguette or drizzled over vanilla ice cream.