Tasty Tuesday: Strawberry Freezer Jam

Anyone else see a theme here? I have definitely latched onto freezer recipes lately. But with summer here and produce at its least expensive, if you are going to freeze, now is the time. I found this recipe in my favorite cooking blog, For the Love of Cooking. Once again Pam comes through with a great recipe and great photo's to go with it. While this is certainly not a sugar free recipe, it is a lower sugar jam. In moderation it is acceptable for those of us with diabetes. If you want a sugar free version I recommend just purchasing sugar free jam at the store. It is difficult to make at home...but if someone has a recipe they have been successful with, please share it with me!


 Bon appétit ~Marla

Strawberry Freezer Jam

I am not a fan of store bought jams and never buy them. I have always had a love for strawberry freezer jam (my very favorite flavor). My family is very lucky to have wonderful friends and neighbors who supply us with delicious homemade freezer jam. My local market was selling 4 lb boxes of strawberries and I decided to finally make my own batch. It was fun to make, much easier than I thought and the end result was PERFECT. I don't like fancy ingredients in my jam, just fruit and sugar, so the recipe is from the pectin box. Simple and so tasty.

• 4 cups of crushed strawberries (exactly 4 cups)
• 3 cups of sugar (exact amount)
• 1 packet of Sure Jell (less sugar needed) Premium Fruit Pectin
• 1 cup of water
• Freezer jam containers (1-2 cup size) with tight fitting lids, washed and dried

Remove stems from strawberries, wash and slice into half. Mash fruit with potato masher for best results. If you use a food processor, pulse to chop. DO NOT PUREE. The jam should have bits of fruit.
Note: Reducing sugar, water, pectin or strawberries will result in set failures. USE EXACT AMOUNTS. Add exactly 3 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water and one packet of pectin to a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil on medium high heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Quickly stir crushed strawberries into the hot sugar mixture. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Pour into clean containers, leaving 1/2 inch space at the top for expansion during freezing; Cover. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours until set. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks. Otherwise, store in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Organization is the Key!

Or at least I am hoping it is! I just spent three straight hours organizing my pantry! In my defense I will mention that my pantry is actually a small 6x6 room. It houses not only food, but all my small appliances, carpet cleaner, mops, brooms, etc. So this was not a small task. I took my label maker in with me and went crazy. I found things I had forgotten I owned, things I have not used once in the ten years I have lived in this house. Those are going to goodwill. I found four containers of bread crumbs...that seemed a bit excessive to me, perhaps I will hold off on buying anymore for awhile ;)

(OK, small disclaimer....this is not a pic of my pantry....mine is nowhere near this empty!)

This is all part of my belief that becoming more organized can help me save money in the long run. I did the same fun thing with my large upright freezer that had been sitting in the garage unused for the past few years. It is now freshly cleaned and in the basement with cute little baskets in it that have tags denoting what hides inside. A dry erase board on the door helps me keep track of the meats I have inside. This way I can buy in bulk during sales! Great ideas, right? I have discovered the joy of freezing things like butter, blueberries, and even fresh herb ice cubes! I can see the savings adding up! Maybe.

The problem for me is in the follow through. I can organize like a pro! It is sticking with it that is the problem. All it takes is a few times of being in too much of a hurry, or dare I say it, too lazy, to put items away properly. The next thing I know the pantry is regurgitating out into my laundry room and the freezer is an iced over tomb of unknown foods. I glance in, shut the door, and suggest eating out. 

This time I have promised myself to reign in my ADD and keep on the task set before me. I am helped in this mission by my supportive husband and children (biological & in law) who have openly scoffed at my ability to stay organized. I am now more motivated than ever to prove them all wrong! I can conquer my disorganization! I am woman, hear me roar!!

.....But prayers for this endeavor are appreciated ;)

~Marla