Crock Pot Strawberry Jam
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Sweet Delight: Crock Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about preserving the sweetness of ripe strawberries in a jar, ready to be enjoyed long after the summer harvest. Crock Pot Strawberry Jam is a delightful and unique way to savor the flavors of this beloved fruit year-round. This simple and innovative recipe will have you falling in love with homemade jams all over again.
Why Crock Pot Strawberry Jam?
Traditional jam-making can be a time-consuming and somewhat daunting process, but fear not! This Crock Pot recipe takes the hassle out of canning and simplifies the entire process. Using a slow cooker for your strawberry jam has several benefits:
- Hands-off Cooking: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Gone are the days of constant stirring and watching over the pot.
- Enhanced Flavor: The extended cooking time allows the strawberries to release their natural juices and sugars, resulting in a more intense and flavorful jam.
- Consistency: The slow and steady heat ensures that your jam reaches the perfect consistency without the risk of scorching or uneven cooking.
- Batch Size: This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for smaller or larger batches, depending on your preference.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the stems and hull the strawberries. Cut them in half or smaller pieces if they are particularly large.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place the halved strawberries in the crock pot, and then add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. If you want to add a subtle and delightful twist to your jam, include the optional teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure an even distribution of sugar and flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Jam
Cover the crock pot with its lid and turn it on to the low setting. Allow the mixture to cook slowly for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the strawberries have softened and the mixture has thickened into a jam-like consistency. It’s essential to stir the jam occasionally to prevent sticking to the sides of the pot.
Step 4: Check for Desired Consistency
After the cooking time is up, check the consistency of the jam. To test if it’s ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate or saucer. Allow it to cool for a minute, then push it gently with your finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t flow back together, the jam is set. If it’s still too runny, continue cooking for another hour or so and check again.
Step 5: Sterilize the Jars
While the jam is finishing up, prepare your canning jars. Wash them in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then place them in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes to sterilize. Also, ensure the lids and bands are clean and ready for use.
Step 6: Can the Jam
Once your jam has reached the desired consistency and your jars are sterilized, carefully ladle the hot jam into the jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace at the top. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue, then place the lids on top and screw the bands on firmly but not too tight.
Step 7: Water Bath Canning
To ensure proper preservation and safety, place the filled jars in a large pot of boiling water, covering the jars with at least an inch of water. Process the jars in the boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. This step helps to create a vacuum seal, which keeps the jam shelf-stable for several months.
Step 8: Cool and Store
After the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using jar tongs or a canning rack. Place them on a clean, dry towel to cool. As the jars cool down, you might hear a satisfying “pop” sound, indicating that the lids have sealed correctly.
Once the jars have cooled completely, label them with the date and contents. Store your Crock Pot Strawberry Jam in a cool, dark place, and once opened, keep it refrigerated.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
Now that you’ve created your own batch of Crock Pot Strawberry Jam, you can enjoy it on toast, scones, pancakes, or even as a topping for ice cream. This delectable treat is not only a labor of love but also a taste of summer that you can savor all year long. Share a jar with friends and family and watch their faces light up with delight as they take a bite of your homemade creation. Happy canning!