Freezer Jam...

Freezer Jam.... where have you been all my life?

This last weekend we made a "quick" drive to Omaha to go to our granddaughter's princess birthday party. The next day we went with their family to Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch and picked some fresh raspberries. I was amazed at how many berries we were able to pick in short amount of time -- about three pounds!

That night after treating us to fresh raspberry shakes, my daughter and I made some freezer jam. I never really knew how easy it is to make freezer jam. It is sooo quick and easy!

I've always thought freezer jam was a step below jam made with a water bath canner, because some of the freezer jam I've eaten has had sugar crystals remaining in the jam, which doesn't taste or look that that appetizing.

To reduce the risk of this, we heated up the raspberries in the microwave for a couple of minutes before and after adding the sugar. This helped the sugar dissolve more quickly and thoroughly. Then we added the hot pectin and water mixture, which further helped the sugar dissolve into the liquid mixture.

The one thing I love {other than it being so easy to make} about freezer jam, is that it tastes so fresh. The berries haven't been cooked, so they still have that delicious just-picked flavor and their color is still vibrant! I was so inspired by our berry picking experience at my daughter's that when I saw raspberries on sale at our grocery store yesterday, I couldn't help making some freezer jam for us too. So delicious!