Fresh Strawberry Jam - Cook With Brenda Gantt (2024)

• August 13, 2023
• 12:59 am

Dive into the world of luscious sweetness with Fresh Strawberry Jam, a timeless treasure made from the vibrant essence of ripe strawberries. This homemade delight captures the heartwarming aroma of sun-kissed berries, preserving it in every jar. A testament to the beauty of simplicity, this jam harmonizes the flavors of strawberries and citrus to create a symphony of taste that dances on your palate. The following recipe unlocks the secret to crafting this exquisite jam, using your bread machine as the maestro of this culinary masterpiece.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound (454 g) fresh strawberries, rinsed, drained, and hulled
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¾ (2-ounce / 57-g) box powdered fruit pectin
• 1 cup sugar, or to taste

PREPARATIONS:

• Coarsely crush the berries with a potato masher, or use a food processor to pulse them a few times, ensuring a mix of whole berries and smaller chunks.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The journey to create Fresh Strawberry Jam begins with the star ingredient—ripe, juicy strawberries. Rinse, drain, and lovingly remove the hulls from the strawberries, ensuring that only their vibrant essence remains. Coarsely crush the berries using a potato masher, or embrace the efficiency of a food processor by giving them a few pulses. The result should be a harmonious blend of whole berries and smaller pieces, collectively forming about 2½ cups of strawberry delight.
2. The citrusy twist of this jam is introduced through the addition of fresh lemon juice. Pairing perfectly with strawberries, this ingredient infuses the jam with a lively zing. Assemble the crushed strawberries in the bread pan, inviting the lemon juice to join the mix. To ensure the jam’s perfect consistency, sprinkle the powdered fruit pectin over the mixture, letting it stand for 10 minutes—a moment of anticipation as flavors meld.
3. The symphony continues with the entrance of sweetness, brought to life by sugar. Add the desired amount of sugar to the bread pan, gently sweetening the strawberry mixture to perfection. The stage is set for the bread machine to take its cue, commencing the “Jam” cycle with a press of the “Start” button.
4. As the machine works its magic and orchestrates the transformation of these simple ingredients, the fragrance of strawberries fills the air. When the cycle reaches its crescendo and the machine beeps, retrieve the bread pan with the care of heavy oven mitts—the vessel of your strawberry masterpiece awaits.
5. With the jam now in your hands, the final act begins. Should instant gratification beckon, use a rubber spatula to transfer the jam into heat-resistant jars. Alternatively, allow the jam to rest within the pan for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize before transferring to jars.
6. As the jam cools, it is ready to be adorned with its lid, preserving its flavors for the days ahead. Store the covered jars in the embrace of your refrigerator, where they will retain their enchanting qualities for up to two months. For those who wish to extend the experience, portion the jam into small freezer bags and freeze, ensuring that a taste of summer can be summoned even in the depths of winter.

YIELD:

• Makes 2½ cups

Fresh Strawberry Jam is a delightful journey into the realm of homemade goodness. It captures the essence of ripe strawberries, encapsulating their vibrant sweetness in a jar. This timeless treat takes you on a sensory adventure that brings together the rich flavor of strawberries and the zesty kick of citrus.

Embarking on this culinary adventure is simple and rewarding. Begin by preparing the star of the show—fresh strawberries. A quick rinse, a gentle hulling, and a coarsely crushed texture set the stage for a symphony of flavors. The addition of fresh lemon juice infuses the jam with a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the strawberries’ natural sweetness.

As powdered fruit pectin joins the ensemble, a sense of anticipation lingers. These ingredients stand united for 10 minutes, their flavors mingling and harmonizing. A touch of sweetness, courtesy of sugar, elevates the experience, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

Enter the bread machine—a conductor of flavors and textures. As you press “Start” and the “Jam” cycle commences, the magic unfolds. The machine orchestrates the transformation, capturing the essence of strawberries and lemon juice in every jar.

Upon completion, with oven mitts as your guide, retrieve the bread pan—a vessel containing your strawberry masterpiece. The jam is ready to find its home in heat-resistant jars, preserving its essence and flavors for the days to come.

From breakfast to dessert, Fresh Strawberry Jam is a versatile companion. Spread it on freshly baked bread, top your morning yogurt, or layer it between cake slices for a delightful treat. Its enchanting flavors evoke the warmth of summer, even on the coldest days.

Preserve the joy of summer by storing the jars in the refrigerator, where they will keep their enchanting qualities for up to two months. For those who wish to extend the journey, small freezer bags offer the promise of strawberry goodness even when winter holds sway.

Fresh Strawberry Jam is more than a condiment—it’s a testament to the simple pleasures of homemade delights. Each spoonful invites you to savor the essence of ripe strawberries, brought to life by your own hands. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, this jam is a gift of flavors that transcends seasons.

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.