Indulge in the delightful flavors of Over-the-Top Cherry Jam, a sweet and luscious creation hailing from the picturesque region of Door County, Wisconsin. Renowned for its wonderful tart cherries, this area has inspired Karen Haen to craft this beautiful and sweet jam that has become a beloved treat and thoughtful gift for friends and family.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2½ pounds fresh tart cherries, pitted
- 1 package (1¾ ounces) powdered fruit pectin
- ½ teaspoon butter
- 4¾ cups sugar
PREPARATIONS:
- In a food processor, process the fresh tart cherries in batches until they are finely chopped. Transfer the chopped cherries to a Dutch oven and stir in the powdered fruit pectin and butter.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once the boiling is achieved, stir in the sugar and bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil. Continue boiling for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface. Ladle the hot mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles, wipe the rims of the jars, and adjust the lids accordingly.
- Process the filled jars for 5 minutes in a boiling-water canner, ensuring proper preservation and safety.
YIELD: 6 half-pint jars
PREP/PROCESS TIME: 35 minutes preparation, 5 minutes processing
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For higher altitudes, adjust the processing time by adding 1 minute for each additional 1,000 feet.
TIPS:
- Consider gifting these delicious jars of Cherry Jam to friends and family, spreading the joy of Door County’s cherry abundance.
Over-the-Top Cherry Jam is a true delight that beautifully captures the essence of Door County, Wisconsin’s famed tart cherries. Karen Haen’s creation has become a cherished treat, enchanting taste buds with its sweet and luscious flavor. The jam’s versatility allows it to serve as a delightful spread for various dishes, making it a thoughtful and charming gift for loved ones.
Crafted with fresh tart cherries, this jam begins its journey by being finely chopped in a food processor, releasing the vibrant colors and flavors locked within each cherry. The powdered fruit pectin and a touch of butter are then added to the mix, enhancing the texture and taste of the jam.
A full rolling boil is achieved, ensuring that the ingredients blend harmoniously and that the flavors are fully developed. The addition of sugar brings the desired sweetness, transforming the tart cherries into a delightful and well-balanced jam.
After a minute of continuous boiling, the jam is ready to be ladled into hot sterilized half-pint jars, each one holding the promise of pure cherry bliss. Ensuring proper preservation, the jars are processed in a boiling-water canner, sealing in the flavors and guaranteeing their longevity.
Over-the-Top Cherry Jam serves as an exquisite representation of Door County’s cherry bounty, and it makes a perfect gift that reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage. Each jar brimming with sweetness captures the beauty of the Wisconsin landscape and the cherished traditions of the area.
In conclusion, Over-the-Top Cherry Jam is an extraordinary treat that embodies the charm and flavors of Door County’s tart cherries. With its delightful sweetness and vibrant hues, this jam holds the power to enchant anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it. Whether you enjoy it on a warm slice of toast or generously spread over freshly baked scones, this jam is sure to make every breakfast, snack, or gift-giving occasion truly special.
