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Easy Jam Making with Kids

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A quick and fun jam recipe perfect for family bonding, using fresh fruit, sugar, and lemon juice. Simple enough for kids to help and yields delicious homemade jam bursting with natural fruit flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600g) fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mix)
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 packet (7g) pectin (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fruit (10 minutes): Wash and hull berries or peel and chop stone fruits into small pieces. Measure out 4 cups (600g).
  2. Combine fruit and water (5 minutes): Place fruit and 1/4 cup (60ml) water into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the fruit starts to break down and release juice, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add sugar and lemon juice (2 minutes): Stir in 2 cups (400g) sugar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. If using pectin, mix it in now according to package instructions.
  4. Simmer the jam (20-30 minutes): Bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The jam should thicken and reduce by about half, turning glossy with bigger, slower bubbles.
  5. Test for doneness (2 minutes): Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let cool for a minute. If it wrinkles and holds shape when pushed with a finger, it’s ready. If not, simmer a few minutes longer.
  6. Remove from heat and jar (5 minutes): Carefully ladle hot jam into warm sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly.
  7. Cool and store: Let jars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate. Jam will thicken more as it cools.

Notes

Stir frequently to prevent burning. Use fresh lemon juice for best setting and flavor. Test jam thickness with a cold plate. Kids can help with washing, measuring, and stirring but avoid hot pot handling. Warm jars before filling to reduce cracking risk. Pectin is optional depending on fruit type and desired thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: jam making, easy jam recipe, family cooking, kids cooking, homemade jam, fruit jam, berry jam, peach jam, jam with kids, simple jam

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-jam-making-with-kids-5-fun-family-moments-recipe-ideas/