4 cups halved cherries
zest and juice from 2 limes
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 packet (45 grams) no cook freezer jam pectin
Directions:
Whisk together the sugar and pectin in a small bowl. In another bowl, mash the cherries with a potato masher. When well mashed, add the lime juice and zest. Stir. Sprinkle with the sugar/pectin mixture. Stir to combine. Pour into 4-5 8 oz jars. Ball makes some great plastic freezer jam jars I highly recommend. They have a fill line about 3/4 inch down. Don’t over fill. Use the jam within a month or freeze up to 1 year.
My thoughts:
It has been a long time since I last made freezer jam. Too long. I like it because it is near instant gratification. No cooking, just mashing and then you have jam. Plus it uses a lot less sugar than traditionally canned jam because you don’t need the sugar to act as a preservative. It is just the beginning of cherry season here and I’ve been trying to make the most of it. Every year I wish I had a cherry pitter. Once the season rolls around it is too late to order one and have it arrive in time and when cherries aren’t in season, I think of other ways to spend my money. I’ve found that simply pulling the cherries in half with my hands is the more efficient (if slightly messy) route to pit-free cherries. For some reason I had been cutting them with a knife and it took forever. I’ve heard about methods involving a paper clip or toothpick but pulling them apart has been resulting in two perfect halves so I am loath to try something new. And it makes me feel super strong.
Anyway! We were talking about how we don’t have a Sonic (even though we get the commercials occasionally) anywhere with in several hours. I’ve never been to one but I have heard so many people going on about the cherry limeade, I feel like I have. So when I decided to make cherry jam, I thought to throw in some lime. I am glad I did. It is a delightful combination as it keeps the sweet cherries from being too sweet. Plus I think the natural pectin in the limes help it gel.
Bing cherries or pie cherries?
ok, i am totally charmed by your line, "And it makes me feel super strong." lol.
Love the combination of cherry and limes.
Bing but I don't see why another sweet cherry couldn't be used.
I think this will be great! California cherries are at the markets… might have to give it a try. Now I just have to find more room in my freezer!
I found this recipe today and just had to try it! It was my first attempt at making freezer jam and it turned out wonderful! It tastes amazing!! Thank you!
RE: Sonic, there's one just over the line in Hanover, PA. Meetup for a cherry limeade! Skip the tater tots though – have no idea why people rave over them, it's like they were dipped in salt with a side of saltiness.
Well I just got through with my first batch of this jam and I licked the spoon when I was through… it is wonderful! Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks for all the great pep talk via Twitter. You've convinced even a can-o-phobe like myself that I can and should make jam. The freezer type sounds ideal, too. Many thanks! 😉
I'm so excited to try this recipe! We've got an abundance of sweet cherries that I have to use up RIGHT NOW! I can't believe I have all the ingredients on hand….amazing!
(I love cherry limeades and have learned how to make them at home since we're no where near a Sonic)
Do you think this recipe would work if you can it traditionally?
Well, you'd have to use more sugar and regular pectin and cook it but I think it would work.