| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 760 | 0.2g | 0g | 194g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 187g | 2g | 1g | 0.005g |
From the heart of a cowboy cook, I introduce to you my all-time favorite cherry jam. It perfectly encapsulates my knack for creating dishes that fuse my Montana upbringing with modern gourmet twists. Picture the warm, summer afternoons on the plains; a ripe cherry tree bursting with flavor – it’s all in there. The beauty of this recipe is not just its delightful taste, but also its ability to transport you to a simpler time and place.
A Delight for the Taste Buds and the Body
Cherries are not only delicious, they are rich in antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall wellbeing. This cherry jam is not only a decadent treat, it’s also a stealthily healthy indulgence. The subtle tartness from the lemon juice adds a pleasing zing while also providing a generous dose of vitamin C. And that’s not even mentioning the powdered fruit pectin, a dietary fiber which aids in digestive health. Be it atop your morning toast or as a dollop in your evening sweet treat, this jam is a delicious way to boost your overall health.
A Versatile Ingredient
This cherry jam recipe mirrors the diverse flavors of many of my beloved Montana staples. Much like the huckleberry pies that hold a special place in my heart, this jam also takes me back to my childhood, to the simple joy of cooking with familial flavors and ingredients.
The beauty of this jam is that it can stand alone on a slice of toast, or enhance the taste of a dish like a drizzle of exquisite sauce. It’s sweet but not overpoweringly so, making it a perfect accompaniment to savory dishes like my bison burgers or a succulent venison steak. You can use it as a marinade, or a base for a vinaigrette. It can even add a sweet and sour touch to a cocktail, or be the star ingredient of a dessert.
Whether you’re looking for a novel twist to your morning toast or a tantalizing glaze for your evening roast, this cherry jam is a deliciously engaging discovery that excites my culinary creativity every time.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
- 4.5 cups granulated sugar
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the cherries. Pit all 4 cups of fresh cherries and set them aside.
Step Two
In a blender or food processor, puree the cherries until they have a smooth consistency. Pour the pureed cherries into a large pot.
Step Three
Add the 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pot of cherries. Stir well to ensure the lemon juice mixes in evenly. This will help to set the jam and prevent it from becoming too sweet.
Step Four
Stir in the powdered fruit pectin. Make sure to sprinkle the pectin evenly over the surface of the cherry mixture to prevent it from clumping. Stir until the pectin is thoroughly combined into the mixture.
Step Five
Turn on the stove to medium-high heat and bring the cherry mixture to a full rolling boil. Be sure to keep stirring to avoid any burning or sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Step Six
Once the mixture has reached a boil, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly as you pour, to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely into the mixture.
Step Seven
Allow the mixture to return to a full rolling boil. Once it reaches this stage, let it boil for exactly 1 minute before removing from the heat. This will ensure the sugar and pectin set correctly to make your jam thick and delicious.
Step Eight
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jam jars, leaving a little space at the top of each jar. Close the jars with lids and set them aside to cool before storing. Once the jam has completely cooled, it is ready to be enjoyed!
