Making Jam Circus Style

If you’re anything like me, you don’t really need one more reason to enjoy carbs.   Yet, I can’t help but share my favorite.  One of my mom’s most highly requested recipes growing up was for her strawberry jam.  She always got a kick out it when people asked her if she would please share it.

So, here’s the family secret.

Yup, buy yourself a box of Sure Jell, add 4 cups of crushed berries, and 4 cups of sugar, and you are set!   It really is as easy as pour and stir!

After berry picking with the kids last week, I was eager to stock up my freezer with our favorite jam.  Unfortunately, we ate all of our labor, so instead I used a bag of frozen berries from the store.  Truth be told, I think it tastes just as good. 

Now that I have eager kitchen helpers, I have tried Ball’s version. Unlike Sure Jell, this one requires 1 and a half cup of sugar and the pectin doesn’t need to be heated.  This is really my favorite part, as the kids are able to participate in each step.  I will be honest though,  it isn’t as good as Mom’s original.  It is more soupy and tastes more like crushed berries on your toast, rather then true jam.  This year I decided to make both kinds, so that the kids could participate in it AND I could have the good ol’ jam of my youth. 

Even the youngest circus member contributed to the delicious spread!

 

Of course, there’s is something I didn’t tell you…only at the circus, would you find all three kiddos making jam in their undies at 3:00 in the afternoon!! 

And since I’m sharing circus bloopers with you, why not throw in this pic as well?  Whose daughter is that laying out on the table like a bikini model?  (Notice my son’s hand in the bottom left corner?  He grabbed his camera to take a pic and when he did then I  noticed her mischief… After grabbing my camera, I then scolded her to get off the table)!