Spiced Cherry Jam Small Batch Recipes

SPICED CHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Place the cherries in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Sprinkle with pectin over the cherries followed by the star anise, nutmeg, lemon juice and vinegar.
• Once the cherries start to release their liquid in the bottom of pan, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
• Lower heat and boil gently for five minutes occasionally mashing mixture.
• Mash in sugar, add the water, and return to a boil until the mixture reaches gel point. The frozen plate method works well for testing doneness.
• Process the jam using the hot water method for 10 minutes, or refrigerate and enjoy over the next week or so.

SPICED CHERRY JAM, SMALL BATCH

Steps:

• Pit cherries, then process cherries and their juice in a food processor or chop finely by hand.
• Pour cherries and lemon juice into a non-reactive saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
• Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually stir in pectin with a whisk. Bring mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly.
• Add in the sugar, stirring to dissolve.
• Return to a boil, boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Skim foam from top with a slotted spoon.
• Pour carefully into 4 oz. jars.
• Wipe rims of jars, place lids on and screw bands on just finger tight.
• Process sealed jars in a hot water bath canner for 10 minutes to seal.
• Place jars onto a dishcloth-covered countertop or cutting board to cool.
• Do not move the jars until they are cooled.
• After they are cooled, test the seals by pressing the center of lid with your finger. If the lids springs up when you lift your finger, it is NOT sealed. Refrigerate any unsealed jars of jam and use them within a few days. Sealed jars are good stored in a dry place for up to a year.

SMALL-BATCH BASIL AND CHERRY TOMATO FREEZER JAM

Steps:

• Inspect 2 pint 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.
• Combine tomatoes, sugar, basil, onion, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, coriander, and cumin in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by half, 2 to 3 hours. Remove from heat.
• Divide jam between jars. Allow to cool slightly before covering with lids. Refrigerate jam for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 4 months.

SWEET CHERRY JAM WITH SPICES AND RED WINE

Steps:

• Inspect 6 half-pint 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.
• Pit and finely chop cherries; measure out 3 1/2 cups. Combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Place cinnamon and cloves in a small piece of cheesecloth and tie together to make a spice bag. Add to the pot with the cherries, and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
• Add the cherries with all the liquid, spice bag, and the pectin in a large heavy saucepan. Slowly bring it to a boil. Stir in red wine. Slowly return mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Skim off any foam with a ladle or a large spoon.
• Remove pot from the heat. Remove and discard the spice bag. Ladle cherry jam immediately into prepared 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 spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• 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 place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.