One of my favorite memories from my childhood was coming home to the house smelling like fresh baked bread, homemade jam, and tomato sauce from the garden slowly simmering on the stove. My mom is the best homemaker I know. Our home was always tidy and clean and smelled amazing. She poured her heart and soul into our family and some of those traits have been passed along to me.
We don’t always have the tidiest house or even most of the time (life and choices, right?!), but I have tried to incorporate the homemade goodness in as much as possible for our family. I come from a long line of jam makers believe it or not! My Great Gramma, my Gramma, my mom and now me.
Making homemade jam may seem intimidating to some but let me assure you it’s not hard! I remember watching my mom and listening to her tell me the important steps, but they were easy enough. I will give you a little tip! Pick up a couple boxes of Sure Gel and follow the instructions of the quick and easy freezer jam section. It honestly can’t get any simpler! Now, if I’m going to be a little healthier and make a quick jam, I’ll just sweeten my smashed strawberries, peaches, or raspberries with some organic honey. It’s a little runnier, but it does taste good! I don’t have a recipe for that because it’s just based on your taste.
Quick and Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam
Ingredients
4 Cups Strawberries
4 Cups Sugar
1 Box Sure Jell
Directions
Prepare containers/jars by washing and sanitizing. I just recycled jars or small jam jars.
Wash berries and remove the tops and stems.
Crush the berries.
Mix in the sugar and allow it to sit while you begin the pectin mix.
Gradually add 1 pkg Sure Jell to ¾ C water in a small saucepan, stirring constantly (this was the important step my mom taught me!). Bring to a boil on medium heat; boil for 2 min; stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Slowly pour the pectin mixture into your crushed strawberries and sugar; mix well!
Immediately pour into jars and cover.
You can let the jars sit out for up to 24 hours to ensure they set.
Eating fresh jam that first day is incredible! But I’m here to tell you it is every bit as good even after being in the freezer for a few months! My favorites are strawberry and peach. I always have them on hand.
This jam is delicious on any kind of bread, but it also makes an awesome ice-cream topper! My Gramma is famous for her ice cream shakes and I always choose strawberry because she puts her homemade jam in there! YUM!
However, you choose to enjoy this yummy topper, I know you won’t be disappointed! And there’s just something that feels so good about providing homemade treats for my family. And my flock always loves jam day because they get all the fruit scraps! It’s win win for everyone!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady