Preserving Autumn's Delight: Grandma's Timeless Fall Jam Recipe
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, carrying with them a sense of nostalgia and a taste of tradition.
In this article, we'll dive into a delightful fall jam recipe inspired by a great grandmother's treasured method. Aptly named "fall jam," this delectable creation captures the essence of autumn in each jar. With the vibrant flavors of cranberries, grated orange, green apples, and a blend of warm spices, this jam is perfect for spreading on biscuits and homemade bread. So, let's gather our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and embark on a journey to recreate the flavors of yesteryears.
Ingredients:
- - 4 cups whole cranberries
- - 1 large orange, grated (including the peel)
- - 2 green apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and grated
- - 4 cups sugar
- - 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- - 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- - 1 tablespoon nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the cranberries, grated orange (including the peel), grated green apples, sugar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Place the pot on the stove and bring the mixture to a low boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for several hours until the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. While the jam is simmering, preheat your oven and place clean jars, lids, and rings on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven to sterilize and keep them hot until ready to use.
5. Place a towel on your counter to protect it from the hot jars.
6. Once the jam reaches the desired thick consistency, use a potato masher to mash the mixture, creating a smoother texture.
7. Carefully transfer the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top.
8. Wipe the rims of the jars with white vinegar to ensure a clean seal.
9. Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them securely.
10. Move quickly to complete the process while everything is still hot. The heat will help create a vacuum seal.
11. As the jars cool, you may hear a popping sound, indicating a successful seal.
Enjoying Grandma's Fall Jam:
Now that you've created your own batch of fall jam, it's time to savor its delightful flavors:
1. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
2. The fall jam is perfect for spreading on biscuits, toast, or homemade bread. Its vibrant flavors will bring a taste of autumn to your breakfast or afternoon snack.
3. You can also get creative by using the fall jam as a filling for pastries or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
4. Share the jars of fall jam with loved ones as thoughtful homemade gifts, capturing the warmth and nostalgia of family traditions.
Grandma's fall jam is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the enduring flavors and cherished memories that can be preserved through generations.
By combining cranberries, grated orange, green apples, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices, this jam captures the essence of fall in each jar. Spread it on biscuits or homemade bread, and let the comforting flavors transport you to simpler times. So, gather your ingredients, follow the cherished recipe, and enjoy the taste of autumn with a jar of Grandma's fall jam.
Comments
Can you use store bought canned whole cranberries?
ReplyDeleteNot shelf safe. Do not follow these instructions. This site must be run by a moron.
ReplyDeleteObviously you're anonymous for a reason. Step #6 tells you to process as any jam maker knows that means to water bath for jam times at full boil. Perhaps you should read more carefully in the future.
DeleteNowhere in the recipe, punctuated by ads, is waterbathing the filled jars mentioned. Apparently, boiling jam, placed in hot jars from the oven, was considered safe enough in Grandma's day. Maybe it still is. But, to be safe, the filled jars should be finished by 10 min in a simmering water bath.
ReplyDeleteHow do you grate a fresh orange?
ReplyDeleteI pulsed my oranges in a food processor until it was finely ground
DeleteI see no water bath instructions either.
ReplyDelete