TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION TO CAN ~ MAKING APRICOT JAM

I've been making jam for several years now and I adore it.  Every year I get excited when the Summer fruits start popping up because I know that means yummy homemade jam is just around the corner.

The only thing I regret about canning is that I didn't learn how to do it sooner.  I always thought it was so hard. 

I was wrong!  It's a bit scary at first but once you learn the steps, it's easy as can be.  Yes, it does take time and you are tired when you finish but it is EASY.

I've taught several friends and family how to can.  It is more fun if  you do with someone else.  Plus, it's less work if you have someone to share it with. 

Yet, no matter if you can with someone or alone, it is still easy.    Still not sure if you believe me or not.  I'll prove it to you.

I had my 10 year old niece come over and taught her how to take these apricots and starting with washing them, she did every step it took to make her own batch of jam.

I love that she came over wearing shades of orange.  It matches the jam we were making.  Even the apron she is wearing has an apricot on it.  To cute.

Anyway, back to making the jam. 

She cut the apricots herself.

Took the pits out.

Ground them up in the food processor.  You could just cut them up by hand if you don't have a food processor.

She measured out the fruit, sugar and even squeezed and measured the lemon juice.

She added everything to the pot and mixed it together.

She cooked the ingredients in a pot and stirred it until it came to a boil and added the pectin.  Stirred one more minute and then removed the pot from the stove.  OK, I actually removed the pot from the stove because I didn't want her to get burn or drop the hot mixture.

She poured the hot jam into the jars. 

She made sure to leave enough room from the top of the jar.

I did step back in to help her put the jars into the boiling water bath.  Sometimes the water pops up and let me tell you...it's hot!

Ten minutes later, her jam was finished and we listened for the popping sounds to let us know the jars all sealed properly. 

I told her, when she gets married,  her husband will be happy that she makes homemade jam for him.

She looked up at me and said "Forget about the husband!  I'm making jam for myself.  If I get married my husband will be lucky if I share it with him."

I had to laugh at her.  She can be so funny at times.

So there you have it.  If a ten year old can make homemade jam, you surely can.  I promise you won't be sorry if you do.  I can also promise, once you eat jam you make yourself, you will not want to eat store bought jam again.

The recipe we used is:

3 1/2 cups very finely chopped apricots.  Leave skin on.
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
5 3/4 cups sugar
1 pouch CERTO (liquid pectin)

Add all ingredients except CERTO to pan and bring to a boil.  Stir so it does not burn.  Once you have a full boil, add the pouch of CERTO.  Bring back to boil and cook for 1 min.  Do not over cook or under cook as it won't set properly.

Then pour hot jam into jars, seal with lids and cook in water bath for 10 mins.

Be sure you learn about how to prep your jars and lids before you start to make your jam.

If you have any questions, let me know.  I would be happy to answer any of your questions.

I've linked up to Canning Week and you can go here to find more yummy posts.
I'm linking up to Made From Scratch Tues. over at From Mess Hall to Bistro.  If you have not been there, go over and vote for your favorite recipe.