A Sweet Treat with a Hint of Guilt Free
Craving the sweet, juicy taste of cherry jam but worried about sugar overload? Don’t despair! This recipe for Sure Jell low-sugar cherry jam will tantalize your taste buds while keeping your health in check. It delivers that familiar, comforting flavor you love with a lighter touch on sugar.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy it as a delightful spread on toast, warm scones, or even drizzle it generously over yogurt for a breakfast explosion. Its low-sugar profile makes it perfect for those who want to savor the sweetness without sacrificing their health goals.
Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover its magic! What you need to craft this delightful jam is a mix of fresh cherries, Sure Jell Low Sugar pectin, and some essential pantry staples. The cherries, the star attraction, are the key to unlocking the unique flavor profile of this jam.
To begin, gather your ingredients. First, select ripe, juicy cherries that have been washed thoroughly. Make sure you use a variety like Montmorency or Bing for maximum sweetness and tartness. These cherries will bring depth and complexity to your jam.
The next step is to prepare the cherries. After rinsing them under cold water, remove any stems or pits. This ensures smooth texture in your jam and avoids any unwanted crunch in every bite. You can use a food processor for faster pitting if you choose!
While preparing the cherries, mix the Sure Jell Low Sugar pectin with equal amounts of water in a saucepan. Stir gently until it dissolves completely, ensuring no lumps are left behind. The pectin acts as the key to forming gel-like structure, giving your jam that characteristic mouthfeel.
Now comes the exciting part – the cherry mix! Pour the cherries into a large pot and add your dissolved pectin mixture. The combination of the pectin and the fresh cherries will start their journey to becoming a glorious, low-sugar jam.
Bring the cherry mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. As the mixture bubbles and comes closer to a rolling boil, let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where your magic happens! The cherries release their juices, making the whole concoction extra delicious.
At this stage, you can test if your jam has reached setting point by placing a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate and letting it sit undisturbed for a few seconds. If the mixture sets into a firm gel-like consistency, your jam is ready to be bottled!
The final step involves carefully transferring the jam into sterilized jars or containers. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during cooking. The lids should be tightly sealed.
Now comes the most exciting part—waiting! Allow your jarred jam to cool completely at room temperature before placing them in a pantry.
Storing your homemade low-sugar cherry jam is a breeze! It can last for several months when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free cherry jam! Spread it on toast or crackers, enjoy it with yogurt and granola, add a dash to baked goods, or simply savor a spoonful as a sweet treat.
