JAM

These are local blackberries grown right here in our little town.  The smallest quantity available was one gallon.  We eat lots of berries, but one gallon is quite a few.

Yesterday, I decided to try my hand at making some jam.  I thought the crockpot would be good.  The process was simple, but it took too long from a time standpoint using the crockpot.  I strained the mixture resulting in seedless blackberry jam!  I used sugar and lemon to make the jelly.  Since I took this pic, I've added labels.  One jar is in the frig waiting for the first taste test.

We went blueberry picking on my birthday.  I think we left with three gallons of blueberries.  Today, I tried my hand at blueberry jam.  This time I made it on the stove top.  I had to punt with some of the canning steps as I don't have special equipment.  I was so excited to hear the jars "pop" when they cooled.  I might be on to something.  It is too early to think about Christmas gifts?  My other idea was blackberry vodka - thinking about trying some of that.  The process doesn't seem too hard.  I just need to explore what you do with blackberry vodka once you have it.  Oh!  I need to find a good biscuit recipe to use up some of this jam!