This week I processed 30 lbs of organic Black plums into jam. I was winging it and combined a couple different recipes I found online. This version turned out excellent.
In fact, Dave's parents are here visiting for a couple of weeks and my Father-in-law said it reminded him of what his own grandmother used to make and brought him back to his childhood (that's a serious compliment!). The flavor and texture is a bit like apple butter, especially if you use the cinnamon sticks.
I did all the fruit in 2 batches. 1 batch will make about 9 pints of jam.
~Black Plum Homestyle Jam ~
15 lbs organic black plums
3 lbs organic peaches or nectarines
3 cups organic sugar
2 tablespoons butter (to reduce foaming)
4 cups water
2 tablespoons pectin
2 sticks cinnamon (optional)
(for smooth jam, you'll need an immersion blender)
Roughly chop (no need to peel!) and pit all the fruit, adding it to a large stockpot. Add water and sugar. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat to simmer. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 - 3 hours until the fruit is broken down really well.
In the meantime, run a sink full of very hot water and keep your jars and lids in the water until it's time to can ( this should keep the glass from breaking when you put in the hot jam). Get your waterbath canning pot boiling.
If you used the cinnamon sticks, remove them now. Add pectin. With an immersion blender, puree until smooth.
Take your hot jar and fill it (leave 1" of headroom). Wipe the top edge to clean and dry it and put on the lids. Place it in the canning rack braced over boiling water until you're done filling that batch of jars. Process them for 10 minutes. Remove from water and let cool on a rack or some towels.
Just to show that not all of us are perfect, I had one of my jars crack and when I pulled out my second batch, we found this broken quart jar and the water full of jam (I've never had that happen before, but on a good note, it only broke in 2 pieces)
Moving on to the good stuff! This jam has a homey (ie: homelike homey
atmosphere; also : evocative of home; not "Yo, homey, wuz up?!), creamy and rich flavor.
I LOVE how it tastes.
The color is just beautiful
As I said earlier, Dave's parents are visiting and while the older kids are thrilled, Lydia is not so sure. She doesn't cry when they pick her up, but we see lots of this expression...the little stinker
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think!
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Oh that Lydia I bet it kills them she doesn't warm up to them. She is such a little cutie. I made plum jam too from the deliveries I get from Tree Things People here in Homer. I have lots of it too. Love Jam like I said I didn't give up my toast and jam on Primal !
ReplyDeleteOh, yummy! I bet it smells heavenly. And, Lydia is cute as a button even with that look. Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Homemaker on a Dime. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House which goes live at 8am CST on Monday. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteI love the color of your jam. I haven't processed plums yet, I have some in the freezer but I can't decide if I want to make jam or butter with them.
ReplyDeleteI would like to invite you to link up to the Fall Into the Holidays hop-
http://redcrowgreencrow.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/fall-into-the-holidays-3-happy-fall/
Well, you certainly got my Jam Attention...as Plum is my favorite. Such a simple recipe and WOW, your photos are great! What a neat Blog you have. Enjoyed my visit from Knick of Time Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteHope you will have a chance to stop by CollectInTexas Gal to see my latest Vintage Find. I think you will really enjoy the story that goes with it, and I know you will appreciate it's vintage craftsmanship.
Miranda,
ReplyDeleteNot only does it look delicious, but that last photo of the jam on the bread (that appears homemade) is so charming! I'm featuring you next week @ Knick of Time Tuesday - thanks for sharing at the party! There will be a new "I Was Featured" button waiting there for you.
Blessings,
~Angie
This is my first season canning and I LOVE it ! I am bookmarking your recipe! Please link up to my Blog Fest: http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/09/farm-girl-friday-blog-fest-1.html
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday, you are being featured later today!
ReplyDeleteMmmm. I just had to stop by and say hi simply because you can! I love it too, feel like it's a lost art, and connect instantly to anyone who does it! Keep up the great work! M.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by our Pretty Things Party. Hope to see you back next week!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried plum jam but this makes me want to make some! Thanks for sharing at Fabulous Friday.
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, your jam looks absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteKatie
www.funhomethings.com
Oh my gosh. I found you through the fresh eggs daily link up! I LOVE black plums...plum anything. I am saving this recipe to try. It just sounds so good. Would love you to link it up at my new recipe link up! http://www.katieslanguagecafe.com/2012/10/french-cuisine-friday-recipe-link-up-2.html
ReplyDelete