Decadent Strawberry Vanilla Delight Jam
This Decadent Strawberry Vanilla Delight Jam is a delightful fusion of classic strawberry jam intertwined with the rich aroma of vanilla. Adapted from renowned recipes in 'Well Preserved' by Mary Anne Dragan and 'Put 'Em Up!' by Sherri Brooks Vinton, this version incorporates my personal twists. The optional butter adds a touch of creaminess while helping to control foaming. It's crucial to use bottled lemon juice for its consistent pH, ensuring the jam is safe for canning. Perfect as gifts or to elevate your breakfast, this luxurious jam captures the essence of summer strawberries. Yielding approximately 6 half-pint jars and an additional quarter-pint jar, each spread is a special treat for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sliced Strawberries
8 cups (cleaned, hulled, and sliced)
Sugar
6 cups (granulated)
Bottled Lemon Juice
1/3 cup (freshly bottled)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (pure vanilla extract)
Vanilla Beans
2 (split and seeds scraped)
Butter
1/2 teaspoon (optional, unsalted)
Instructions
1
Wash and slice the strawberries, then place them in a large stockpot.
2
Using a potato masher, crush the strawberries slightly to release their juices. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, letting the strawberries simmer until they soften.
3
Add the bottled lemon juice, vanilla extract, seeds scraped from the vanilla beans, a half teaspoon of butter (if using), and sugar to the pot. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil vigorously for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning (take care, as the mixture may bubble and splatter). The jam should reduce and thicken during this time.
5
After boiling, remove the pot from heat and stir continuously for 3 minutes to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the mixture and prevent it from floating to the top.
6
Prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Using a ladle, fill the hot half-pint jars with the jam, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Clean the rim of the jars if necessary.
7
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Once processed, remove them carefully and allow to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
67g
Carbs
0g
Protein
1g
Fiber
67g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Strawberry Vanilla Delight Jam?
It is a luxurious fruit spread that combines the classic taste of strawberries with the rich, aromatic scent of vanilla, inspired by recipes from 'Well Preserved' and 'Put 'Em Up!'
How many jars does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately six half-pint jars and one additional quarter-pint jar.
Why is bottled lemon juice required instead of fresh?
Bottled lemon juice is used to ensure a consistent pH level, which is crucial for the safety and shelf-stability of the jam during the canning process.
What is the purpose of adding butter to the jam?
Adding a half teaspoon of butter is optional but helps to reduce foaming and adds a subtle touch of creaminess to the jam.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
The strawberries should be washed, hulled, and sliced before being slightly crushed with a potato masher in a stockpot.
How long do the strawberries need to simmer initially?
The strawberries should simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
When do I add the sugar and vanilla?
Sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and lemon juice should be added after the initial 10-minute simmer once the strawberries have softened.
How long should the jam mixture be boiled?
The mixture needs to be brought to a rolling boil and boiled vigorously for 20 minutes while stirring frequently.
How do I prepare the vanilla beans for this recipe?
The two vanilla beans should be split open so the seeds can be scraped out and added directly to the pot.
Why must I stir the jam for 3 minutes after removing it from heat?
Stirring for 3 minutes helps to evenly distribute the fruit pieces throughout the mixture and prevents them from floating to the top of the jars.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
A 1/4-inch headspace should be left at the top of the jars to allow for expansion during the processing stage.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, though this time may need adjustment based on your local altitude.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 6 cups of granulated sugar.
How many calories are in a serving of this jam?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
Does this strawberry jam contain any fat?
The jam contains 0g of fat, unless you choose to add the optional half teaspoon of butter.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There are 67 grams of sugar per serving in this recipe.
Is there fiber in this jam?
Yes, there is approximately 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Common tags include strawberry jam, vanilla jam, canning recipe, homemade jam, and gift idea.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, its luxurious flavor and beautiful appearance make it an excellent choice for handmade gifts.
What equipment is needed for crushing the fruit?
A standard potato masher is recommended for crushing the strawberries slightly.
Can I use vanilla extract alone?
While the recipe uses both extract and whole beans for depth, you could use extract alone, though the flavor profile will be less intense.
What heat setting is used for the initial fruit softening?
The strawberries should be cooked over medium-low heat for the first 10 minutes.
Why is it important to stir frequently during the 20-minute boil?
Frequent stirring is necessary to prevent the high-sugar mixture from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
What should I do if the mixture splatters during boiling?
You should take extra care and perhaps use a long-handled spoon, as the bubbling sugar mixture can be very hot.
Do the jars need to be hot when filled?
Yes, you should ladle the jam into hot, sterilized half-pint jars.
What is the sodium content of this jam?
The sodium content for this recipe is negligible or not listed as a significant amount.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Is this a summer-themed recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a summer recipe because it captures the essence of summer strawberries.
What kind of strawberries are best?
Cleaned, hulled, and sliced strawberries are required; using fresh, ripe summer strawberries will yield the best flavor.
How should the jars be cooled?
After the 10-minute water bath, jars should be removed carefully and allowed to cool completely on a counter without being disturbed.