Jam!

Ben and I went strawberry picking with some friends a couple weeks ago, and needed something to do with our vast bounty.

I decided to try making freezer jam, since I really love strawberry jam, but feel a bit too intimidated by the actual canning method (lots of boiling, worrying about botulism, etc.)... maybe someday, but not today!

I picked up the pectin and some "special" freezer canning jars at the local grocery store. Other than that, all that was needed was a TON of sugar, and the berries. It was very easy!

And I yielded 9 yummy jars of jam. Minus the cost of the actual plastic jars, they cost me about $1 each... which compared to the $4/jar I spend on jam at the store is a pretty good deal.

And I used enough pectin! My jam jelled... and has been enjoyed on many sandwiches and english muffins since!

I also used the remainder of my leftover pectin to make some hot pepper jelly... the verdict is still out on that one. It didn't jell within the week the pectin said it might take, so I threw it in the freezer anyways, and have yet to try it.