Monday, March 7, 2011

If Life Gives You Not So Sweet Strawberries -- Make Some Jam



A local store had nice looking strawberries for a good price the other day, but when I brought them home I was disappointed in their taste -- they weren't sweet at all.  So I decided to make jam.  My kids love my raspberry jam the best, but this is a close second.

Can you see my husband's reflection in the jar?


I just used the recipe from the Ball Pectin box so I haven't included the recipe.  Just make sure you have about 5 cups of strawberries, lots of sugar, and about 1/4 cup of lemon juice.  I used about 1-1/2 pounds of strawberries. 

So if you get some not so sweet strawberries, make some jam.


18 comments:

Jacqueline said...

Looks so yummy. I think hubby was posing!!!!

I heard (and tried) something else too. Fill a bowl or the sink with the hottest water you can get out of your tap. Let them sit in the water until they are warm through. It sweetens them and kills the bacteria so they won't mold as quickly in the fridge. I was amazed how it worked and didn't make them soggy like it would my homegrown ones.

Lynn said...

Love jam, sounds like a perfect solution Joni! Strawberry jam is on my list of things to do this gardening season. The plants are greening up nicely:@)

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

Beautiful strawberry jam! It will be so good on anything it happens to land on! :)

Barb

Trisha said...

Homemade strawberry jam is the best stuff ever. I can't eat store bought because I have been spoiled all my life. This makes me look forward to warm weather even more!!

~Trisha

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a great idea, Joni! Thanks!
Yvonne

Sue said...

Fresh strawberry jam sounds so good. I might have to make a batch of freezer jam this year when the berries are ready. I haven't done that in several years.

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

Your jam looks so pretty in the jars! I am so ready for spring. I still have lots of strawberry jam but do plan on some others. Can't wait for canning time!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I just bought the Ball book of preserves... your pictures are beautiful -

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

That's a good way to use them up. Love your hubby's reflection!

:)
ButterYum

Sarah said...

Joni, you are one energetic lady! I would have just cut them, covered them with sugar, and put them in the fridge. LOL
~ Sarah

Anita Diaz said...

Strawberry ranks second only to my mom's grape jam! There is nothing I love more than a warm, crusty croissant with butter and strawberry jam. My mouth is watering now!! Yours looks great! I'm thinking I will have to learn how to make it this summer. Thanks for stopping by:-)

Julie Harward said...

YUM..nothing better than that except perhaps some homemade bread to go with it! ;D

Pondside said...

Your house must have smelled so good!

Beth said...

Joni, Your jam is so bright red and gorgeous! I'll bet you and your family will enjoy it very much.
Blessings, Beth

Nadia (WithGlitteringEyes.blogspot.com) said...

Your jam looks beautiful! Reminds me of all those days picking berries with my grandpa and making jam with my grandma!

The tradition continues with my daughter. Such nice memories!

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I just saw strawberries for 2 boxes for 3.98, I'm gonna go get a bunch!! Thanks, anne

Sue said...

Great photos, Joni! I like the sunshine:) Your jam looks beautiful, and yep, I see your husband:)

Bonnie said...

Pass me a slice of bread please. Your photos are beautiful.

Engageya