Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries and juicy peaches melding together in a pot, sending waves of comfort through your kitchen.
Making Strawberry Peach Jam is delightfully simple, transforming humble fruits into a luscious spread.
As the ingredients simmer and thicken, a magical alchemy unfolds, ready to elevate breakfast toast or an afternoon snack.
Let’s bring this delicious jam to life and savor the homemade goodness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Potato masher
- 1 Sterilized jar with lid
Ingredients
- 2 cups Strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 cups Peaches, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making Strawberry Peach Jam, you can follow the timeline below.
This includes the prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading the recipe:
- Reading and Preparing (10 minutes)
- Spend approximately 10 minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Preparation (20 minutes)
- Hull and chop the strawberries.
- Peel and chop the peaches.
- Sterilize the jars and lids if not done beforehand.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- Combine strawberries and peaches in a large pot.
- Add sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Use a potato masher to crush the fruit.
- Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes or until thickened.
- Test the jam’s thickness by placing a small amount on a cold plate.
- Cooling and Jarring (15 minutes)
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Use a ladle to pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top.
- Seal jars with lids.
- Resting (12 hours)
- Let the jars cool at room temperature for 12 hours before storing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Combine strawberries and peaches in a large pot.
Add sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the fruit mixture.
Use a potato masher to crush the fruit to your desired consistency.
Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes or until thickened.
Test the jam’s thickness by placing a small amount on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.
Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Use a ladle to pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top.
Seal jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature for 12 hours before storing.
Serving Tips
- Toast or Biscuits: Spread the jam over warm toast or freshly baked biscuits for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer the jam with yogurt and granola for a delicious and healthy parfait.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Use the jam as a topping for pancakes or waffles to add a fruity twist to your morning meal.
- Cheese Board: Pair the jam with a selection of cheeses to add a sweet contrast to a savory cheese platter.
- Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle the jam over vanilla ice cream for a revitalizing and fruity dessert.
Storage
Store Strawberry Peach Jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month to guarantee freshness and prevent spoilage.
Freezing
To freeze Strawberry Peach Jam, use airtight freezer-safe containers.
Leave space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Thaw in the refrigerator before use to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat Strawberry Peach Jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating.
This helps preserve the jam’s texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Strawberry Peach Jam is a delightful experience.
Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh flavors of ripe strawberries and peaches, but you also get the satisfaction of creating something homemade.
The process is straightforward and allows for some creativity with the sugar content and fruit consistency.
Be sure to sterilize your jars properly to guarantee the jam is preserved correctly.
Once complete, you’ll have a delicious condiment to enjoy with your favorite breads, pastries, or as a topping for desserts.
Happy jam-making!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Fruits Instead of Fresh Ones?
You can use frozen fruits, but make certain they’re fully thawed and drained first. Frozen options may slightly alter texture and moisture levels, be mindful of stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Fresh fruits typically provide a more vibrant flavor.
How Long Does Homemade Jam Typically Last?
Your homemade jam, when stored in a cool, dark place, can last up to a year if properly sealed. Once opened, refrigerate and use it within three weeks to savor its vibrant, fruity essence. Enjoy!
What Is the Best Way to Sterilize Jars?
To sterilize jars, submerge them in boiling water for 10 minutes, ensuring they’re fully covered. This process kills bacteria, ensuring safety. Dry them on a clean towel. Now, your jars are ready for delicious, homemade jam!
Can I Use a Sugar Substitute in This Recipe?
You can certainly experiment with sugar substitutes, but be cautious. Some may not set well like sugar does. Opt for pectin-rich alternatives or specific low-sugar pectin. Always follow the package instructions for best results.
Is It Necessary to Use Lemon Juice in the Jam?
You might wonder if lemon juice is necessary. It is! It enhances flavor and helps set the jam by balancing acidity. Without it, your jam might not gel properly, leaving you with a runny mess.
Strawberry Peach Jam
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 potato masher
- 1 sterilized jar with lid
Ingredients
- 2 cups Strawberries hulled and chopped
- 2 cups Peaches peeled and chopped
- 4 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine strawberries and peaches in a large pot.
- Add sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the fruit mixture.
- Use a potato masher to crush the fruit to your desired consistency.
- Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes or until thickened.
- Test the jam’s thickness by placing a small amount on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Use a ladle to pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top.
- Seal jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature for 12 hours before storing.
Notes
