Cinnamon Blueberry Jam

Cinnamon Blueberry Jam is a delightful and unexpected twist on traditional blueberry jam. Inspired by the canning practices of her grandmother, Barbara Burns decided to try her hand at making jams and jellies. The result was this exquisite jam that her family enjoys on warm corn or blueberry muffins. The addition of cinnamon provides a pleasant surprise, enhancing the flavor of the blueberries and adding a touch of warmth to each spoonful. The process of canning and the sight of jars lined up on shelves in her grandmother’s cellar evoked a comforting and nostalgic feeling, making this jam even more special. With just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you can create your own jars of Cinnamon Blueberry Jam to enjoy and share with loved ones.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen blueberries (about 1 quart)
• 3½ cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 pouch (3 ounces) liquid fruit pectin

PREPARATIONS:

1. Crush the blueberries and measure 2½ cups. Place them in a large saucepan.
2. Add the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cloves to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
4. Quickly stir in the liquid fruit pectin.
5. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam.
7. Carefully ladle the hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
8. Remove any air bubbles, wipe the rims clean, and adjust the lids.
9. Process the jars for 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

YIELD:

Makes 4 half-pints of jam.

PREP/PROCESSING TIME:

Preparation: 15 minutes. Processing: 10 minutes.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be careful when working with boiling jam to avoid burns.
• Skim off the foam after removing the mixture from the heat to achieve a cleaner appearance.
• Use a canning funnel for easier and mess-free transfer of the jam into the jars.
• Adjust the processing time based on your altitude to ensure safe canning.

TIPS:

• Use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe, whichever is available to you.
• Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less sugar, according to your taste preference.
• Label and date the jars for proper organization and storage.

In conclusion, Cinnamon Blueberry Jam is a delightful and unexpected twist on traditional blueberry jam that adds a warm and comforting flavor to your breakfast or snack. Inspired by the canning practices of her grandmother, Barbara Burns created this recipe that has become a beloved family favorite in her household. The process of making and canning the jam evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, connecting generations through the art of preserving.

With a combination of blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves, this jam offers a burst of fruity sweetness with a touch of warmth and spice. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that will leave you craving more.

The canning process ensures the longevity and freshness of the jam, allowing you to savor the flavors throughout the year. Properly sealed jars of Cinnamon Blueberry Jam make for thoughtful homemade gifts or a special addition to your own pantry.

Enjoy this delightful jam on warm corn or blueberry muffins, spreading its sweet and cinnamon-infused goodness on each bite. The unexpected twist of cinnamon adds a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Creating your own jars of Cinnamon Blueberry Jam is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you can capture the flavors of the season and preserve them for future enjoyment.

So gather your ingredients, follow the simple preparations, and immerse yourself in the nostalgic and heartwarming tradition of canning with this delightful Cinnamon Blueberry Jam.