RHUBARB FREEZER JAM RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below.
• Sterilizing Tips:
• Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed.
• To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Leave in a preheated 175 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Or, boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes.
• Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from either boiling water or the oven. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes.
• As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands.
• After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Steps:

• Place a small plate in your freezer. Peel, core, and roughly chop your apples into ¾” to 1" pieces. Combine apples with 1½ cups water in a heavy bottomed pot or sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until fruit is tender and mixture has reduced by ¼, about 15 minutes.  Add the sugar, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is jammy and thick, about 25 minutes more. Add lemon juice and cinnamon stick if using, and stir to incorporate. Simmer 5 to 7 more minutes to allow cinnamon to infuse. To test if jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto prepared cold plate. Let sit 2 minutes, then drag your finger through the spoonful of jam. If it holds its shape, it's good to go! If it appears runny or watery, continue cooking. When jam has reached desired consistency, remove cinnamon stick. Divide between clean jars, and seal tightly. Refrigerate. Jam will last up to 2 weeks.