I come from a long line of 'jammers'. As a child my summer vacations were spent at my grandparents where I was forced into child labour . . . hulling strawberries, picking fruit, crushing fruit, and filling countless jars of jam. Such 'fond' traditions wedge themselves into your heart and don't let go.
Normally we'll whip up about 100 jars of jam a year. Then we'll make our famous crisp garlic dills . . . followed by my pepper salsa. You're likely wondering what would two people do with all of those jars? The truth is that we give most of them away - it sure cuts into the amount of shopping that needs ot be done.
The other day I spotted some amazing large, ripe apricots at the market. At the next stall I found the last of the red raspberries. Immediately I knew that mom was going to be a very happy mom this year for I had the ingredients to make her favourite jam - apricot raspberry.
It is an unusual combination but the flavour is deep and rich. The jam is lighter in colour than regular raspberry jam with the taste being taken to a new level by joining these two fruits together. You know how there are some combinations that just work - this is one that does.
If you happen to have some spare raspberries and apricots laying about be sure to try this one for yourself. If you don't . . . be sure to be nice to me and perhaps some with find its way to your house.
Did you hear that mom? NICE!
Apricot Raspberry Jam
2 lb apricots; peeled, pitted, and mashed
1 pt raspberries: (2 Cups), mashed
6 c rugar
1/4 c lemon juice
1 tb butter (to limit foaming)
3 oz liquid fruit pectin; 1 pouch (we've used Certo since I was a wee lad at grandma's house, I know those in the food blog world would blanch at the thought of using anything but their homemade pectin but they shouldn't mess with my grandma!)In a large saucepan, combine the apricots and raspberries. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Bring to a boil, over high heat, stirring constantly. Add the pectin. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Spoon into jars prepared for cooked jam.
'A long line of jammers'...
You crack me up!
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | July 30, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Aren't you from a family of jammers as well Sandi?
Posted by: JDeQ | August 02, 2010 at 11:05 AM