Jam - Blackberry Quick Set
1 C Blackberries
1 t vinegar (apple cider or white will do)
Place in large saucepan over medium high heat. Squish and squash most of the berries with the back of a large spoon. I usually use a long handled cooking spoon. Stir constantly. Juice should form somewhat. When it boils, boil for one minute. This is a gentle boil, can start timing almost as soon as the juice begins to bubble.
Add:
3 C Blackberries
1 C Sugar– All of these amounts are adjustable. More berries, more sugar. Less berries. Less sugar. I usually like a tart jam so I use about 3/4 C and let the butter and biscuit offset the tartness.
Can turn up burner to high for a short while. Stir constantly until comes to full rolling boil. Doesn’t take long. Reduce heat to medium high or so. Cook for around .12 to 20 minutes. The variance in time comes from the amount of pectin in the berry and the amount of sugar added. Around 14 to 15 minutes is a good time. I start “testing” about 12 minutes using a form of sheeting test.
To do a sheeting test, you take a clean stainless steel spoon that is cool and dip it into the cooking jam. Hold the spoon up over the pan and turn it sideways. You watch the juice flow from the spoon. Early on, it just runs off. Then it starts to run slower. Then you get a slow drop with another one sort of hanging on as well. Now, it is about done. You can go for the full sheet test; however, the jam will be hard set I’ve found. I prefer the loose almost running form.
When you’re satisfied as to consistency, remove from heat and pour into jars that have been rinsed in very hot water filling until almost full. We’re not talking about preserving here, just some ready to eat jam so we won’t get into sealing techniques. Put a lid on the jar and let it set on a cotton towel until cool. You can also put into a bowl and serve immediately.
If you want, you can get a couple or so of ½ pint canning jars full and put in refrigerator.
Once opened, store the jam in the freezer of the refrigerator. Keeps it as fresh as the day made.
This can also be used with fresh strawberries or other such berries. I would add a little lemon juice and reduce sugar somewhat for strawberries.
Of course, you can buy Sure-Jell and follow their directions using about 8 cups berries, 4 cups sugar, etc.
The GMZ .