#38 Freezer Jam

I know way back when I made homemade peanut butter, I also promised to share my homemade strawberry freezer jam as well. It turns out, the pectin I use was really hard to find "out-of-season" so I'm finally getting to it now. I had to ask my mom for some frozen strawberries from her stash. I can't wait till strawberry season to make a lot more, cause we go through jam super fast in my house. I really like freezer jam because it is so easy to make and does not require a ton of sugar and the whole canning process. It tastes more like a fresh strawberry spread instead of sugary jam.

Strawberry Freezer Jam
Makes 2 (8oz.) half pints

1 2/3 cups prepared fruit
2/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. Ball Real Fruit instant pectin

Do the math to make larger batches but do not exceed 6 jars per batch.

1. Crush strawberries using a potato masher or food processor. Follow directions on the package if you are using a different fruit.

2. Stir together sugar and pectin in a bowl. Add to fruit and stir 3 minutes.

3. Ladle jam into clean freezer jars and let stand 30 minutes.

 

Enjoy! It is that simple. Be prepared, this jam is a much softer set, then you may be used to, but it is soooo yummy. It will keep in the freezer for up to one year. In the fridge it will keep for 3 weeks.

Tip: I use the plastic freezer jars pictured above. You can also use glass jars with straight sides. When filling the jars, leave 1/2 inch headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. I've had a jar containing applesauce crack in the freezer due to filling it too much. I was not happy and I learned my lesson, so for this jam, I find the plastic jars especially made for freezer jam really easy to use.