Now that I've upgraded my Mac, I can finally post photos of the great Blueberry Jam Experiment. Want to make authentic Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, instead of paying big bucks for it at L.L. Bean (or anywhere in Freeport, for that matter)? Here's how:
Wild Maine Blueberry Jam
11 cups crushed Maine blueberries (roughly; a little more than 4 quarts uncrushed)
2 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 cups sugar
2 packets "no-sugar-necessary" pectin (for low-sugar canning; it says so on the package)
Procedure:
1. Go for a hike on your favorite blueberry mountain, remembering to bring ample small containers for storing berries and a large backpack.
2. At the usual place, look both ways for park rangers and then veer off the beaten track to the other side of the mountain.
3. Spend an hour or two enjoying the beautiful view, cool breeze, and companionship of your friends as you fill your containers with your bounty.
4. Return home and pick out stems, leaves, etc.
5. Wash berries.
6. Sterilize 12 8-oz.-size canning jars as directed on box.
7. Crush berries slightly and add water, lemon juice, and zest.
8. Cook, following directions in pectin box for boiling time, adding pectin, etc.
9. Pour into sterilized jars and top with lids and bands.
10. Process in boiling water bath as specified (10 minutes is fine).
This jam is great because it's not too sweet. Yum! Here are photos from the event:
