Simple At Home

The mulberries are almost in season again. We have several mulberry bushes to our property so we do not have to forage for them like we used to. These deep purple berries are filling the mulberry bushes and dropping to the ground. With the many benefits of mulberry, we don't want to let them go to waste. Most are not ripe yet and well have a long way to go but we really wanted to add mulberry jam to our stash of home-canned jams for the kids while we had some downtime with the new baby and home remodels before the berries were gone. The kids loved the mulberry syrup they helped make this year so I knew this canning recipe would be a hit. While the contractor was putting new slats of wood on the front porch we were out back picking berries. Most were so far out of our reach the oldest two go brave and climbed atop the van to reach ripe and nearly ripe berries. The littles enjoyed reading Here we go Around the Mulberry Bush while they waited. This mulberry jam uses a good bit of not-quite-ripe fruit to replace the need to use the store-bought pectin making the cost of these jars of jam even less and just a bit less processed which is always a win in my book. How to make Mulberry Jam This is a simple one as you would guess. Like our sweet summertime strawberry jam, it is sweet and delicious. Start by going out and filling a bucket with about 3 cups of fresh mulberries. For most of us up here in Detroit MI these are easy to find in the backyard and if not in your backyard it is easy to forage for mulberries. Luck so has it my sister and I both have mulberry trees so we will have a full stock of this flavor if I can find time. 3 cups fresh mulberries 1/2 deep purple 1/2 pinkish red 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice 3-12oz jelly jars Canning your own Mulberry Jam Start by giving your mulberries a good cleaning. Don't bother attempting to remove all of those little green stems. That is a great way to waste your life away just ask owl. Place your mulberries into a large pan, add the lemon juice. Give it all a good mashing with a potato masher while you bring the berries to a good simmer to release all of that lovely juice and naturally occurring pectin. Once the berries hit a strong boil use a small mesh strainer to remove most seeds and the stems. I could not find my better strainer so I skimmed more seeds off the top. Like the cherry jelly, you want to do the best you can to remove the less-than-pretty parts. Add sugar and stir constantly until jam comes to a rolling boil you can not stir down. Continue to boil one minute then test for gelling. To test that it will gel put a spoonful in the freezer to quick cool. If it does not gel boil a bit longer. Ladle into sterilized canning jars. Wipe the rims and add the lids and rings. Process in a water bath for ten minutes. Any jars that do not seal should be refrigerated and used within one week. Want more mulberry treats? Try this mulberry pie recipe or some mulberry syrup for a great summer treat. Tips for making mulberry jelly Choose ripe mulberries: Select fully ripe mulberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Look for dark-colored berries that are plump and juicy. If you are making a batch like this with no pectin mix in half under-ripe berries. Prepare the fruit: Wash the mulberries thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. Check for any spoiled or unripe berries and discard them. Skim the foam: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. The foam may form on the surface, so skim it off with a spoon or ladle. Continue boiling for the time specified on the pectin package, usually around 1-2 minutes. Perform a gel test: To check if the jelly has reached the desired consistency, place a small amount on a chilled spoon and let it cool for a few seconds. If it wrinkles and holds its shape when pushed with your finger, it has reached the gel stage. If not, continue boiling for another minute and repeat the test. Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool at room temperature for 24 hours. Check that the lids have sealed properly by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn't pop back, the jar is sealed. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Ways to use your Mulberry Jam Homemade mulberry jam is a versatile and delicious spread that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for using mulberry jam: Spread on Toast or Bread: This is the most classic and simple way to enjoy mulberry jam. Spread it on warm toast, fresh bread, or even a bagel for a sweet and fruity breakfast. Top Pancakes or Waffles: Use mulberry jam as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It adds a burst of flavor and sweetness that complements the breakfast treats. It makes a great topping for homemade Belgium waffles. Stir into Yogurt or Oatmeal: Mix a spoonful of mulberry jam into yogurt or oatmeal for a natural sweetener and added fruit flavor. Fill Pastries: Use mulberry jam as a filling for pastries like turnovers, Danish pastries, or hand pies. It's a delightful surprise inside a flaky, buttery crust. Make a Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich: Elevate the classic PB&J sandwich by using mulberry jam. The tartness of the mulberries complements the richness of peanut butter. Create a Cheese Plate: Serve mulberry jam alongside a variety of cheeses. The sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with both soft and hard cheeses. Glaze for Meat or Tofu: Use mulberry jam as a glaze for grilled chicken, pork, or tofu. It adds a unique fruity flavor and a beautiful glaze. Mix into Salad Dressing: Blend mulberry jam with vinegar, olive oil, and herbs to create a delicious fruit-flavored salad dressing. Fill Cupcakes or Muffins: Use mulberry jam as a filling for cupcakes or muffins. Inject it into the center before baking for a burst of flavor. Make Mulberry Jam Bars: Incorporate mulberry jam into a bar cookie recipe to create a sweet and fruity dessert. Layer in Parfaits: Create layers of yogurt, granola, and mulberry jam in a glass for a visually appealing and tasty parfait. Dip for Cheese Straws or Crackers: Serve mulberry jam as a dip alongside cheese straws, crackers, or breadsticks for a simple and elegant appetizer. Top Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: Spoon mulberry jam over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a sweet and tangy topping. Blend into Smoothies: Add a spoonful of mulberry jam to your favorite smoothie recipe for a burst of natural sweetness and a unique flavor profile. Create a Mulberry BBQ Sauce: Combine mulberry jam with vinegar, tomato paste, and spices to make a flavorful barbecue sauce for grilled meats.