Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Door County Cherry Jam-I Made Jars of Love


I promised you more cherry recipes, and here is another one, a great one! I made Door County Cherry Jam, jars of love, on President's Day, for the first time. I call them Jars of Love, because, you keep a few, but then you give them with love, to your friends. I had made pickles before, but never jam. These are the same kind of cherries that Scott uses for his Door County Cherry Rum Pie. 

Here I am in Carolyn's kitchen.  Do you wear an apron?


I made the jam with my friend, Carolyn, who, makes this jam frequently. We were able to find frozen Door County Cherries at Woodman's, so I was so excited to get them. Then I bought some of those cute little jars, and the low sugar pectin, because these cherries were sweetened. Carolyn's granddaughters were with her for the day, so we had a crowd, but it was so much fun. What a wonderful way for a Foodie to spend the day with friends, making Jars of Love. Thank you Carolyn, for showing me the way to make the jam:)  Scott was so excited when he could open the first jar this morning, and have a Double Cherry Muffin, Cherry muffin with Cherry jam. What could be better??


We still have a few cherries left for more cherry surprises...
Here is my friend Carolyn, in her kitchen.

And here are Anna and Emma, Carolyn's Granddaughters with their Jars of Love.

We used the low sugar pectin for this wonderful jam. 

Sour Cherry Jam with Low Sugar
4 cups prepared fruit (buy about 3 lb. fully ripe sour cherries


1box SURE-JELL Low sugar Fruit Pectin (Pink box)
1 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2tsp. butter or margarine

3 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl 
Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling. 
Chop cherries  in food processor, until finely chopped, not pureed . Measure exactly 5 cups prepared fruit into 6- or 8-qt. sauce pan.  You will have some leftover chopped cherries:)


Measure exact amount of sugar, 3 cups in a separate bowl . Mix 1/4 c sugar from measured amount, and and 1 box of Sure Jell for Less sugar in a small bowl. 

Stir pectin-sugar mixture  into prepared fruit in sauce pan.  Add butter to reduce foaming and lemon juice. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

Stir in remaining sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat. 

Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly, while pressing thumb down in middle of lid. We did not "can" this jam in a water bath.  Turn jars upside down for 10 min, to help the jars seal. After 10 min., turn jars right side up and let cool for 24 hours. You should hear the lids pop, when they are completely sealed. Enjoy!


18 comments:

  1. I personally think that you can never have too many cherries. After reading this post as well as that pie link, I am glad you shared your tasty creations and are continuing on with the cherry fest. The pie is one I missed, thanks for linking that up. Wish I had one of your jars of love! Also, a kitchen project with friends and family does make for a great afternoon.

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  2. Tina,
    there are still a few more cherry recipes to come... I got 8 jars, and they are already spoken for. Maybe my next batch! thank you so much for your sweet words and support:)

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  3. How delicious - cherry jam - I'd love some on a piece of toast with a cup of tea!
    Mary x

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    1. Mary,
      This jam would be very good with a cup of tea and toast!

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  4. I can see why you call this "love in a jar". So good... love it.

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    1. I call them jars of love, because they are made with love, and you pass them on. It's so good!

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  5. Aren't those just the cutest little helpers ever! Glad you had such a lovely day!

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    1. Jen,
      Anna and Emma are very cute, and helpful, too. A perfect day for a foodie;)

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  6. Replies
    1. Oh, Thank you so much Claudia. The jam tastes as good as it looks:)

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  7. Becky-I have never tried to make jams with frozen fruit. Didn't know you could...but then, why not? Yours turned out so pretty and absolutely sweet...just the right sweetness with the low-sugar.
    Love the cute little jars, as well:DDD
    Thanks for sharing your recipe and the fun cute photos with your friend, and granddaughters!

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    1. Elisabeth,
      You buy the cherries frozen, and then defrost them to make the jam. The cherries are grown in Northern Wisconsin, so out of season, they are only available frozen. the jam did turn out well.

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  8. Hi there. Came across your blog and now am a follower. I was born and raised in door county and do get alot of those cherry to put in my freezer every year! Deb@http://healthycomfort.blogspot.com/

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    1. Debbie,
      Nice to meet you! Thank you for stopping by and being my newest follower.
      Door County Cherries are the best! My husband makes a wonderful Door County Rum Pie.
      Hope to see you soon!

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  9. Oh, these are little jars filled with love and one of my favorites cherries! I love the little cherry on top, so sweet;-)

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  10. The jam was fantastic Becky. Just the right amount of sweetness, I prefer my jam with less sugar and this one is just right. Love those pics of you and Carolyn and her grand daughters.
    -Gina-

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  11. is it 4 or 5 cups of prepared cherries???

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  12. Can you use the same recipe and just freeze the jars for freezer jam? Should be fine, right?

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