Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o Recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of summer. I love making this jam because it really brings the taste of summer into a jar. It’s perfect on toast, pancakes, or even dolloped on ice cream. Let me share my favorite recipe and some tips on how to make the best Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o.
Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o Recipe
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-o
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o Recipe
Now, it’s time to get cooking. Making this jam is fun and straightforward. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. Slice them into small pieces so they can blend well with the rhubarb. Next, dice the rhubarb into small chunks. Having all your ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Rhubarb and Strawberries
In a large pot, combine the diced rhubarb, sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Turn the heat to medium and stir everything together. I allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. It usually takes about 10 minutes for the fruits to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Add the Jell-o and Lemon Juice
Once the fruits are well-cooked, it’s time to jazz things up. Add in the strawberry Jell-o and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that the Jell-o dissolves completely. The lemon juice adds a nice zing and balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Bring to a Rolling Boil
Increasing the heat, I bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. This step is crucial as it helps the jam to thicken. Keep it boiling for about 2 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent any sticking.
Step 5: Checking Consistency
To check if the jam is ready, I perform a spoon test. Take a spoonful of the mixture and tilt it slightly. If it drips off in a thick stream, it’s just about perfect. If it’s too runny, continue boiling for another minute or so.
Step 6: Jar the Jam
Prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Then, fill the jars with the hot jam, leaving about 1/4 inch from the top. Wipe any spills from the rims of the jars to ensure a good seal.
Step 7: Seal and Cool
Place the lids on the jars while they’re still hot. Don’t forget to tighten them but not too much. Let the jars sit at room temperature until they cool completely. This cooling process helps create a vacuum seal.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o
After your Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o is cooled, it’s time to think about storage.
- Room Temperature: Sealed jars can be stored at room temperature for about 1 year.
- Refrigerator: Once opened, keep the jam in the fridge, where it can last for about a month.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the jam. Make sure to leave space in the jars since the jam will expand when frozen.
Ways to Use Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
This jam isn’t just for spreading on bread. Here are some delicious ideas on how I enjoy it:
- Toast and Bagels: A classic way to start your day.
- Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle it over breakfast favorites for a fruity twist.
- Desserts: Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake.
- Savory Dishes: Stir it into sauces for meats like chicken or pork for a sweet glaze.
Tips for Making the Best Jam
While this jam is pretty easy to make, here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Choosing the Right Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries may result in a different texture.
- Rhubarb: Young rhubarb is usually less tart. If you prefer more sweetness, consider adding a bit more sugar to taste.
- Adjusting Texture: If you like a chunkier jam, leave some fruit pieces larger when cooking.
- Make it Unique: Feel free to experiment! Add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for new flavors.
Nutritional Information
Knowing what’s in your homemade jam is always a good idea. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrients per tablespoon:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Vitamin C: 5% of Daily Value
FAQ About Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o Recipe
Can I Use Other Flavors of Jell-o?
Absolutely! While strawberry Jell-o pairs well, you can try other flavors like raspberry or cherry. Just remember that it may change the final taste.
What If My Jam Doesn’t Set?
If your jam is runny, it might need more time on the heat. You can also reheat it with additional Jell-o or pectin for a thicker consistency.
Can I Substitute Sweeteners?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, consider using honey or agave nectar. Just adjust to taste since these sweeteners may vary in sweetness compared to sugar.
Enjoying Your Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o Recipe
Making Strawberry Rhubarb Jam With Jell-o is one of the simplest and most rewarding things I enjoy in the kitchen. It fits perfectly into my summer routine, and having jars of this lovely jam stocked up makes it even better!
