The Homestead Way of Life

Cherry Jam

Cherries abound in June!  Try this simple cherry jam recipe.  I love making jams that you can't normally find in the market.   My July/August newsletter is going to have lots of recipes for combination jams and other unusual delights!

Cherry Jam

3 lbs. sweet cherries

1/2 c. water (optional)

1/4 c. lemon juice

1/2 to 1 cup honey

3 tsp. Pomona's Universal Pectin

Pit and chop cherries (a cherry pitter is almost essential here).  Put them in a heavy saucepan and mash them.  If they are very firm, you can add the water and let them simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Bring fruit to a boil.  Stir the pectin into the honey and then stir into the boiling fruit.  Add lemon juice.  Boil rapidly, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes.  Spoon into hot half-pint or pint jars.  Seal and process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

I can't even describe how luscious this jam is on a thick slice of homemade bread, toasted with lots of butter.  Yum!

Yum

08:36, 2006-Jun-21 .. Posted by Pattisea

This looks delicious. Now if I can get the kids to PICK the cherries and not eat them...

I think I will be seeing you at the river on Friday (I hope, I hope).

Patti

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10:29, 2006-Jun-21 .. Posted by Marci

That sounds wonderful. My son LOVES cherries. Thanks for sharing.

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03:43, 2006-Jun-21 .. Posted by Patti (in Idaho)

I tried my hand at cherry jam yesterday...only since I have NO canning experience, I tried freezer jam. I don't think it sets up as much as cooked jam. Also, your recipe uses honey instead of sugar, which is a big plus. However, I am a bit fearful of trying the canning route, so I may not do it. Then again, I might...I have 5 cherry trees either ripe or almost ripe, and I've already had several friends come pick, and it seems like we've hardly made a dent in the harvest.
Thanks so much for a jam recipe with honey.

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09:19, 2006-Jun-22 .. Posted by Cindeerella

Sounds Deeelicious!
My cherry tree doesn't have enough cherries though.
Maybe I will buy some at the Farmers Market..if they are affordable!

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04:38, 2006-Jun-26 .. Posted by jenig

holy moly that sounds good! i am going to try and make gooseberry jam next week