Strawberry Balsamic Jam

3 Cups Diced Fresh Strawberries
1 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

Mix fruit with sugar in a wide bottom sauce pan or frying pan. Cook over medium heat until thickened and mixture coats the back of a spoon - about 15-20 minutes. You can test jelling by dropping a tiny amount on a cold plate that has been in the freezer for five minutes. Once the mixture is thickened add the balsamic vinegar and pour into a clean hot pint jar. Wipe the rim of the jar clean. Top with canning lid and tighten with a ring. If planning to use, store in the refrigerator. If long term storage is desired, seal in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Caramelized Spiced Pear Jam

3 Cups peeled, cored and cut up pears
1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to boil over medium heat. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally for 1 1/2 hours or until pears are soft and mixture is thickened. Ladle mixture into a hot pint jar and top with a canning lid and ring. Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. This is delicious on pancakes and waffles.

Making Fruit Jam Without Pectin

3 cups any fruit cut up into small pieces
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice if needed

Mix fruit with sugar in a wide bottom sauce pan or frying pan. Add lemon juice unless the fruit is very tart. Cook over medium heat until thickened and mixture coats the back of a spoon - about 15-20 minutes. You can test jelling by dropping a tiny amount on a cold plate that has been in the freezer for five minutes. Once the mixture is thickened pour into a clean hot pint jar. Top with canning lid and tighten with a ring. If planning to use, store in the refrigerator. If long term storage is desired, seal in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Note: I have used this basic recipe of 3 parts fruit to one part sugar using a variety of fruit. It works well every time. For a gourmet touch try mixing different fruits and berries and adding various flavorings like lavender, almond or vanilla extract, thyme, mint, whatever.

Dried Fruit Jam

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2 c. mixed dried fruit
1 c. hot water
2 T. orange juice concentrate
1 t. grated lemon rind

In a saucepan, bring the fruit and water to a boil; cover and set aside to soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Serve on toast, muffins, or sandwiches. Makes about 3 cups.