When the holidays roll around, I am always looking for easy yet thoughtful gifts to make for my friends and family. I love homemade gifts, especially when they involve food. I have made cookies, chocolate truffles, and homemade lip balm, just to name a few.
Everyone is always thrilled with the gesture of a homemade gift and it’s a lot more fun than shopping at a crowded mall for holiday gifts. This simple homemade jam is a perfect gift for the holidays and a great alternative to store bought jam.
This recipe yields one cup of jam, if you’d like more, simply double or triple the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups frozen strawberries, thawed
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- Sugar to taste
Directions: Puree thawed strawberries in a food processor or blender until fully blended. In a large saucepan, whisk the water, lemon juice and arrowroot powder together until well combined. Once combined, mix in pureed strawberries and mix well. Bring mixture to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. After it reaches a boil, lower heat and simmer until thick, about 50 minutes or more.
Do not cover the pan while simmering & stir frequently (every 10 or so minutes) to avoid burning.
You know your jam is done when you draw a spatula or knife through the center and it creates a hole that stays open for a second before filling back in. Once your jam reaches this consistency, remove from heat and allow it to cool. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. If your jam becomes too thick, add a bit of water. If it’s not thick enough, you can return it to the stove to cook more. When fully cooled, place it in an airtight container.
Enjoy, Anya Kaats & Suja Juice
