I made strawberry jam one time (which was pretty easy as it contained only strawberries and sugar) and also some kind of blueberry marmalade. I didn't like the marmalade so well as the strips of citrus peel came out kind of weird.

I always think I want to do this more though. It's quite a bit of work to can things but it's so satisfying to eat condiments that you made yourself.

I love making my own jams, jellies, etc. You're right about it being satisfying knowing that you made it yourself and that it is truly homemade and better for you than store bought!

Here is an easy recipe for Blueberry Jam -



Blueberry Freezer Jam


1/2 c. powdered fruit pectin
2 tbsp. sugar
1 c. blueberries, mashed
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. corn syrup
2 tbsp. lemon juice

Combine pectin and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir into blueberries in a mixer bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Beat at low speed for 7 minutes. Pour into jelly jars and cover. Let stand overnight at room temperature. Store in freezer.

and here is one for Blueberry Preserves:



Blueberry Preserves

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 cloves
2 slices lemon

Boil the above ingredients for 5 minutes. Remove cloves and lemon slices. Put 1 quart blueberries (cleaned and washed) into the hot syrup. Boil for 5 minutes. Put into sterilized jars and seal.











:p

I have not made them for a while now, but I used to make strawberry and raspberry jam. I loved to pick the fruit myself at one of those pick your own farms. Picking it yourself is half the fun of making your own jams. It is pretty easy to make your own jam as long as you have lots of time. It takes a bit of time to boil down the fruit and then time to actually boil the jars when you have them filled. I agree there is nothing like the satisfaction you get every time you use your own homemade jam.

When I was growing up my mom would take us strawberry picking at a local farm and then make jam and freeze most of it. It was really good and was just strawberries, the pectin in the small jello-like boxes, and sugar.