Ball Blue Book Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipes

FRESH BLUEBERRY RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Place the sugar and cassis in a large (8-by-4-inch) heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the rhubarb, blueberries, apple, and lemon zest and toss well to coat the fruit with the cassis and sugar. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until there is a lot of liquid and it comes to a full boil. Lower the heat and cook uncovered at a low boil for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit has disintegrated and the mixture has thickened. (I test a little by putting some jam in a dish in the freezer to check the consistency when it cools.) If necessary, cook for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool, then refrigerate.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Inspect four 4-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Place strawberries in a large bowl and crush with a potato masher. Transfer to a 4-cup liquid measure and add enough rhubarb to reach the 4-cup mark.
• Pour fruit mixture into a large, heavy pot and sprinkle citric acid over top. Stir sugar and butter into the fruit mixture. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Mix in pectin and return to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, then turn off heat and skim off any foam. Quickly mix in chopped basil until fully incorporated.
• Ladle jam into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and let sit 8 hours to overnight to completely seal; you should hear popping sounds as each jar seals. When completely cool, the middle of each lid should be sunken inward and should not spring back when touched.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Place rhubarb, strawberries, lemon juice, fruit pectin, and butter into a large kettle over medium heat. (Butter is optional but helps keep jam from getting too foamy). Stir the fruit mixture to help the juice start to form, and add sugar, about 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved and the juice is starting to simmer. Turn up heat to medium-high, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, and cook and stir for 1 minute. Skim off any foam that forms.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. With a jelly funnel and a soup ladle, pack the jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 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 5 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. To help the jam set, don't move or touch the jars until cooled. 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.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB JAM

Steps:

• Combine strawberries, rhubarb, lemon juice and pectin in a large saucepot.
• Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Return to a rolling boil.
• Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Skim foam if necessary.
• Ladle hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
• Adjust two-piece caps.
• Process 10 minutes in water bath.

RHUBARB, STRAWBERRY, RASPBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Slice the strawberries and rhubarb if using fresh fruit. Set aside.
• Mash and cook raspberries till they're soft and juicy. Strain through several layers of cheesecloth. Twist into a ball and SQUEEZE to get all the juice. Scrape the outside to get all the pulp. You don't need clear juice since this is jam. Skip this step if you don't mind the seeds.
• Put the strawberries, rhubarb, raspberries or strained juice and sugar in at least a 5 qt pan. Add water if needed to prevent scorching.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and cook to 220F on a candy/jelly thermometer or test for jelly by putting a couple of tablespoons on a saucer and letting it cool. Stir frequently.
• Ladle into hot canning jars. Cover with hot lids and bands.
• Process in a water bath for 20 minutes.
• Remove and allow to cool. Listen for the "pops".