Imagine spreading a luscious, vibrant strawberry jam on your morning toast that comes with a delightful grown-up twist! This Small Batch Spiked Strawberry Jam is not just another preserves recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary strawberries into a sophisticated, intoxicating spread that will elevate your breakfast game and impress even the most discerning foodie friends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 jar
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup vodka or rum
Instructions
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, removing the green tops and any blemishes. Slice the strawberries into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the strawberry mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning and help the sugar dissolve completely.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
- To test if the jam is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for a minute. Drop a small amount of jam onto the cold plate and run your finger through it. If the line remains and the jam doesn't immediately fill back in, it's ready.
- Remove the jam from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the vodka or rum, which will add a subtle boozy flavor and help preserve the jam.
- Carefully transfer the hot jam into a clean, sterilized glass jar. Use a funnel to prevent spills and leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Once cooled, seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator. The jam will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve on toast, scones, or use as a topping for desserts. The spiked jam can also be a delightful addition to cheese boards or as a glaze for grilled meats.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most fragrant strawberries for maximum flavor intensity.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- The freezer plate test is crucial - don't skip this step to guarantee the perfect jam consistency.
- For a smoother texture, you can mash the strawberries slightly while cooking.
- Experiment with different spirits like dark rum for a deeper flavor profile.
- Sterilize your jar thoroughly to extend the jam's refrigerator life.
- Let the jam cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- For a lower-sugar version, consider using pectin or a sugar substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
