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Look at that nice dark color!!! you get that because of the long slow cooking. No pectin, no artificial flavorings.  Just pure homemade goodness. 

This simple homemade Cherry Jam is made with just 3 ingredients. 

As a child, I loved to watch mom busy in the kitchen with her big smile that said – I’m cooking for my family and preparing for the winter. 

Makes about 4 x 16 oz (490gram) 1 pint – jars) 

Ingredients

8 cups cherries

4 cups granulated sugar

Juice of 1 orange 

 

Instructions

Wash and pit the cherries. I like to have chunks of fruit in my jam so I did not chop them. 

Place cherries in a large, deep heavy bottom pan. 

Add sugar orange juice; heat through on very low heat until all the sugar has dissolved (running a wooden spoon around the pan will help you know as the sugar will scratch if still solid).

Once the mixture comes to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low. The mixture should still be simmering but slow.

Remove all the foam with a spoon.

Let simmer for about 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes you will see the mixture has darkened, thickened and reduced.

Turn off the heat and let it cool completely for about 5-6 hours. I did this in the evening and let the jam to cool overnight.

Ones it’s completely cooled off, turn on the heat medium-high again and bring it to a boil. 

Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for another 15 minutes.

You can pour the jam to clean jars and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 months or can it.

Enjoy!!!

STERILIZING JARS AND CANNING

Sterilize jars and lids by washing them in hot soapy water or place them in the dishwasher in a gentle cycle.

Place them in the oven for 20 minutes at 175F, this will dry any excess moisture in the bottles.

Leave the jars in the oven until you are ready to use.

Pour the jam into the hot sterilized jar, leaving 1/4 inch of the top, close the lid very tight.

Store in a cool dry place.

You can use frozen cherries to make Cherry Jam. The frozen cherries do not look very impressive as they thaw but the result comes together nicely.

Take the cherries out from the freezer. Place them in a bowl with the sugar and orange juice. Cover the bowl and let the cherries thaw overnight in the fridge for the next morning.