Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

This fresh and flavorful Strawberry Jalapeno Jam is a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of strawberries and the kick of jalapenos. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to a charcuterie board, this jam captures the essence of summer in every bite. It’s versatile enough for various occasions, from brunches to holiday gatherings, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious homemade jam that impresses everyone.
• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet strawberries and spicy jalapenos creates a remarkable taste that surprises and delights.
• Great for Gifting: This jam makes an excellent homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays or special occasions.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on toast, as a topping for desserts, or even mixed into savory dishes for an exciting twist.
• Preserves Summer’s Freshness: Capture the vibrant flavors of summer and enjoy them all year round with this easy canning recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Strawberry Jalapeno Jam, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Jar lifter
• Canning jars (half-pint)
• Lid bands

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for proper boiling without overflowing, ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring hot mixtures; it won’t scratch your pot’s surface.
• Jar lifter: Safely handles hot jars when canning, preventing burns or spills.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delightful Strawberry Jalapeno Jam:

For the Jam

• 4 cups crushed strawberries
• 1 cup diced jalapenos
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 box 1.75 oz pectin
• 7 cups white granulated sugar

How to Make Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and measure them out. Ensure your strawberries are thoroughly crushed and jalapenos diced finely.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot

1. Place the crushed strawberries, diced jalapenos, lemon juice, and pectin in a large pot.
2. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Add Sugar

1. Once boiling, pour in the sugar all at once.
2. Stir well to combine, then bring back to a full rolling boil.

Step 4: Boil the Mixture

1. After reaching a full boil again, set a timer for 1 minute.
2. Boil on high while stirring constantly to avoid scorching.

Step 5: Transfer to Jars

Once boiled, remove the pot from heat. You can either spoon the jam directly into jars for refrigeration or follow canning instructions for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Jalapeno Jam as a burst of flavor any time of year!

How to Serve Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

Strawberry Jalapeno Jam is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this jam that will impress your guests.

On Toast

• Toasted Bread: Spread a generous layer of strawberry jalapeno jam on warm, toasted bread for a perfect breakfast or snack.
• Bagels: Use it as a unique spread on bagels, especially with cream cheese for added richness.

With Cheese

• Charcuterie Board: Pair the jam with assorted cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Add a spoonful inside your grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected kick.

As a Glaze

• Meat Glaze: Brush the jam over grilled chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and spicy glaze.
• Vegetable Roast: Toss roasted vegetables in the jam for an exciting flavor boost.

In Desserts

• Cheesecake Topping: Drizzle over cheesecake for a fruity twist that balances richness.
• Ice Cream Sauce: Warm the jam slightly and pour it over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.

In Salads

• Salad Dressing: Mix with olive oil and vinegar to create a sweet-and-spicy salad dressing.
• Fruit Salad: Stir into a fruit salad for added sweetness and heat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

To achieve the best Strawberry Jalapeno Jam, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and jalapenos will enhance the flavor of your jam significantly.
• Adjust spice level: For milder jam, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. For more heat, add extra jalapenos.
• Check your pectin: Make sure your pectin is fresh. Expired pectin can affect how well your jam sets.
• Stir constantly while boiling: This prevents sticking and burning, ensuring smooth consistency.
• Cool jars properly: If canning, let jars cool at room temperature before refrigerating to maintain seal integrity.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Jalapeno Jam can elevate your meals. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy blue cheese complements the sweetness of the jam perfectly.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken skewers in spices and serve them alongside the jam for dipping.
3. Crackers: Offer assorted crackers as a base for spreading the jam, enhancing its flavor profile with their crunch.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the spicy notes of the jam.
5. Spinach Salad: Toss spinach with walnuts and feta cheese, drizzled with vinaigrette and topped with strawberry jalapeno jam.
6. Mini Quiches: Serve mini quiches as bite-sized appetizers alongside this flavorful jam for an enjoyable contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Jalapeno Jam can be simple, but beginners often make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for.

• Using unripe strawberries: Always choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your jam. Unripe berries will yield a tart taste.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in jam-making. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of strawberries, sugar, and jalapenos.
• Skipping the pectin: Pectin is essential for thickening your jam. Make sure to add it as instructed to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Overcooking the jam: Cooking for too long can result in a hard texture. Follow the timing closely, especially during the boiling phase.
• Ignoring sterilization of jars: Properly sterilizing jars prevents contamination and extends shelf life. Always sterilize your jars before filling them with jam.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store Strawberry Jalapeno Jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Containers: Use clean, airtight containers or glass jars to keep the jam fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

• Duration: You can freeze this jam for up to 1 year.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Strawberry Jalapeno Jam

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the jar (not tightly sealed) on a baking sheet and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a small amount of jam in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Strawberry Jalapeno Jam, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Jalapeno Jam?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained before crushing.

How spicy is Strawberry Jalapeno Jam?

The spiciness depends on the type and amount of jalapenos used. For milder jam, reduce the jalapenos or remove seeds.

Can I adjust sugar levels in Strawberry Jalapeno Jam?

You can experiment with sugar levels; however, reducing sugar may affect the texture and preservation of the jam.

What can I serve with Strawberry Jalapeno Jam?

This versatile jam pairs well with toast, cheese platters, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Jalapeno Jam offers a delightful mix of sweetness and spice that makes it unique. It’s perfect for breakfast spreads or as an accompaniment on charcuterie boards. Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting sweetness or spice levels based on your preference!