It’s that time of year again… Time to break out the Canning Supplies and steam up the kitchen… And this past weekend I did just that.  I still have about 2-3 weeks before raspberries begin to ripen in our backyard… So I thought it was as good a time as any to clear out the freezer of last years berry harvest and whip up a few batches of jam.

I think I might pass out scone mix and raspberry jam for teacher/neighbor/ hostess gits this year… I did it a few years ago and the gifts were well received so I think I’ll do it again… Last year I gave away cases of free pasta, shampoo and razors for Christmas… so I think this will be a nice change.

If you want to make your standard raspberry jam… All you need to do is follow the directions that are included in your pectin box.  It’s pretty cut and dry.  Sterilize your jars, get the water boiling in your hot water canner, combine 5 cups of crushed raspberries, pectin and a 1/2 tablespoon of butter (to help reduce foaming) in your pot and bring to a boil.

When the mixture gets all warm and bubbly and comes to a roiling boil… then add your 7… YES… I said 7 cups of sugar…

It’s amazing we all still have our teeth in this house…really it is.  After you stir in the sugar return the mixture to a full boil again… this time for EXACTLY one minute (according to the directions… although I have no idea what would happen if you let it boil let’s say 1 minute 2 seconds… who knows?)… Then with a big spoon skim off any foamy stuff that’s sitting on top of your raspberry mixture.

Spoon into Canning Jars (the ones pictured above are my new favorite for gift giving ($4.19 for 4 jars at Target)…the occupants of this house however can eat their jam out of the old and boring 1/2 pint jars…but for gift giving… I think these are pretty darn cute!).

Put on the canning lid, and the canning ring and tighten…

Place in your hot water bath for 10 minutes (or longer depending on your altitude… it will tell you on the directions sheet in your pectin box).

Let cool…

And a fancy smancy sticker you had custom printed… (I got a deal on them from a Plum District offer several months ago)

Stack all nice and pretty so you can take a picture and have your Martha moment… Then pack ’em away til gift giving season arrives. 🙂

If you want to try something a little more unique… You know… Something beyond the standard jam recipe that comes in the pectin box… I highly suggest The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook.  It’s packed full of unique recipes… Including tomato jam… Which I plan on trying this summer FYI. 🙂

So… Mavis wants to know… Have you canned anything yet this season?