Strawberry Balsamic Jam Using Pectin Recipe 395

Steps:

• Hull the strawberries, wash and then drain them. Mash them, in layers. (I pulse them in my food processor until they are the size I prefer... small chunks, but not totally pureed). Combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar and the pectin in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring so it doesn't stick. Slowly add the sugar. Bring to a continuous roll, stirring frequently, so it doesn't stick. Bring to a gel stage (approximately 10 minutes). I like to chill a plate in my freezer. Spoon a little of the cooked fruit on the cold plate. Run your finger through it, and see if it separates. Let it sit a minute more and feel the texture. If it gels, it's ready. Pour into sterilized clean class jars with lids. Set the filled jars in a rack, covered by at least 2" of boiling water. Keep the pot covered and set a timer for 10 minutes, from when the water begins to rapidly boil. Remove from the pot, carefully, with a jar lifter onto a clean towel. Listen for the "pop" of the vacuum on the lids...and/or press a finger on the top. If it's firm, you have a good vacuum. If a jar is not sealed, properly, you can repeat the water bath boil method, or refrigerate this jar and eat within 2 weeks.

Steps:

• Combine sugar and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sugar is dissolved.
• Add strawberries and thyme to the sugar mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove thyme sprigs. Allow jam to cool and store in the fridge in an airtight container or transfer hot jam to sterilized jars and seal.