FILLING CUPCAKES WITH JAM RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups; lightly spray paper cups with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix Crust ingredients. Spoon evenly into muffin cups; press down slightly.
• In large bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Spoon filling evenly into muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full.
• Bake 24 to 26 minutes or until filling is set. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In small bowl, mix fruit spread and frosting; spread over cupcakes. Refrigerate about 2 hours. Garnish each with small strawberry half.

Steps:

• Mash strawberries with potato masher or in food processor until slightly chunky (not pureed) to make 2 cups crushed strawberries. Mix strawberries and sugar in large bowl. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix water and pectin in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour hot pectin mixture over strawberry mixture; stir constantly 3 minutes.
• Immediately spoon mixture into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims of containers; seal. Let stand at room temperature about 24 hours or until set.
• Store in freezer up to 12 months or in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Thaw frozen jam in the refrigerator and stir before serving.