Are you looking to capture the essence of summer in a jar? Look no further than this delightful Cherry Rhubarb Jam recipe. Bursting with the sweet-tart flavors of cherries and rhubarb, this jam is a perfect addition to your breakfast spread or even as a special gift for loved ones. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!
**Cherry Rhubarb Jam**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
– 2 cups chopped rhubarb
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Fruits:** Start by pitting and halving the fresh cherries. Chop the rhubarb into small pieces, ensuring they cook down evenly in the jam.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cherries, rhubarb, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
3. **Cook the Jam:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. The fruits will begin to release their juices and meld together to create a luscious jam.
4. **Simmer:** Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. The jam will gradually thicken as it cooks down. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. **Test for Doneness:** To check if the jam is ready, perform a simple plate test. Place a small amount of the hot jam on a chilled plate. If it sets and wrinkles when touched, it’s done. If not, continue simmering until desired consistency is reached.
6. **Add Vanilla:** When the jam is almost done, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a beautiful depth of flavor to the jam and complement the sweet-tart notes of the cherries and rhubarb.
7. **Jar and Store:** Once the jam reaches your preferred consistency, remove it from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.
8. **Enjoy:** Your homemade Cherry Rhubarb Jam is now ready to grace your morning toast, pair with scones, or even elevate a cheese platter. Share the joy by gifting a jar to friends and family – it’s a wonderful taste of summer you can enjoy all year round!
Cooking up a batch of Cherry Rhubarb Jam is a delightful way to savor the flavors of the season and create something special in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a jar of this delectable jam to brighten up your day or share with loved ones. Get creative with how you enjoy this versatile jam – spread it on pancakes, swirl it into yogurt, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful. Embrace the sweet simplicity of homemade jam and let the flavors of cherry and rhubarb transport you to a sunny orchard with every bite.
