Description
Sweet summer strawberries dance with tangy balsamic in this elegant Strawberry Balsamic Jam, creating a sophisticated spread that elevates morning toast and afternoon scones. Homemade preserves never tasted so luxurious – you will savor each complex, rich spoonful of this gourmet condiment.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 1 pound (454 grams) strawberries, hulled and diced
Sweeteners:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Dice fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the jam.
- Place strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan, creating a vibrant, glossy mixture with deep red tones.
- Position the saucepan over medium heat, stirring ingredients gently to help sugar dissolve and prevent sticking.
- Increase heat until mixture reaches a rolling boil, watching carefully to prevent overflow or scorching.
- Immediately reduce heat to low, allowing jam to simmer and develop rich, concentrated flavors for 25-30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, monitoring consistency and preventing bottom from burning; mixture will gradually thicken and become more glossy.
- Test jam’s readiness by checking its ability to coat the back of a spoon or performing a cold plate test for proper gel-like texture.
- Remove from heat and let cool at room temperature, understanding that jam will continue to set and thicken as it approaches ambient temperature.
- Once completely cooled, transfer jam to sterilized glass jar or airtight container, ensuring a tight seal.
- Refrigerate jam, which will maintain optimal flavor and texture for approximately two weeks.
Notes
- Select ripe, sweet strawberries for the most intense flavor profile and best jam consistency.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during cooking.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity based on personal taste preference for a more tangy or subtle flavor.
- Sterilize glass jars before storing to extend the jam’s shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 56 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg