~Peach Freezer Jam~

Peach Freezer Jam

Summer is definitely the time when it seems like all of the local fruits and veggies ripen at the same time.  The juicy blueberries are still available and now local peaches are too!  Ripened local peaches = it's time to prepare Peach Freezer Jam!  That was on my agenda on Monday.  Tuesday afternoon the Peach Freezer Jam was placed in our freezer. 

I use CERTO liquid fruit pectin when prepping this type, too.  The Directions are located inside the box.

(File Photo)

Even though I've been using this product and prepping Freezer Jams for about 40 years, I still reread the Directions every time.  Just in case there are any changes going on.  

The fruit needs to be prepped, first.  The skins of the peaches need to be removed.  An earlier Blog Post I wrote (click here) has more of the details.   

After placing these containers in our freezer I can say, "Mission Accomplished!" 

We will be Enjoying them!
Yummy!             

Peach Freezer Jam

Suddenly, it was time to prep the Peach Freezer Jam!  This is the last variety that I make every summer.  Yes, it's been every summer for- well, years.

The easy to follow directions are located inside the box of 2 pouches of CERTO.  The local peaches were purchased.  The easy way to ripen them is to place 3 (stem side down) in a small paper lunch bag and fold the top of the bag down 2- 3 times.  In about 2- 3 days the peaches will ripen.  Depending on the size of the peaches.

Then the clean containers and all of the ingredients are located.  Follow the directions exactly when making Freezer Jams.

An easy method to remove the peel is to place 2 peaches carefully in a pot of simmering water.  Let sit for about 55- 60 seconds.  Then, remove carefully with a slotted spoon and place on a dish to cool, slightly.  The skin will peel off easily and then the delicious juicy peach can be removed from the pit.

Peach Freezer jam
(File Photo)

The directions were followed and the containers filled.  Lids were placed on top and snapped shut.  Then the Peach Freezer Jams sat on our dining room table undisturbed for 24 hours.  After the time period was up, the Freezer Jams were placed in our large freezer.  They will be enjoyed during the coming months. 

This is so yummy and it is easy to prepare!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

~ Peach Freezer Jam ~

Peach Freezer Jam

After enjoying a great week at the Cape (Cape Cod) it's time to finish preparing the Freezer Jams to enjoy during the other months of the year.  Now, it is peach season!  The local crop is so sweet, juicy and just plain yummy.  This past Thursday at our Farmers' Market, I purchased enough of this fresh fruit to make a batch of Peach Freezer Jam and also more that we could enjoy now.

They were not quite ripe, so 3 peaches were placed inside a brown paper lunch bag and the top closed.  In 2 days they riped, so the fresh peaches were placed in the fridge.

Ripening Peaches
(File Photo)

Yesterday, 7  peaches were used to prepare the delicious jam!  The sugar, lemon juice and Certo (liquid pectin) were all placed in their places on my kitchen counter.  The mixing bowls, spoons and measuring cups were added, along with the clean containers & lids.  I was getting down to business!  It was time to prepare the Peach Freezer Jam!!

After rinsing the peaches under cool water, the skins were removed.  It is easier to remove the skins if you place each peach in a pot of simmering water for about 60 seconds.  A slotted spoon comes in handy here to place it in the water and also to remove it.  Let the peaches cool a little on a plate lined with a paper towel.

Use a sharp knife and peel the skin.  Cut peach into slices.  Then, it's mashing time!  Mash the slices (a few at a time) with a (potato) masher.  Measure out needed amount and add to the required sugar in a large bowl.  Then, I was on my way to follow the rest of the directions that are included in the package of Certo.

~My Hints~  are handy to read!

Freezer Jam is just so delicious!  I am not a fan of commercial brands.  While growing up, my mom, sister & I always prepared jam the "cook over the stove" method.  For years now, I've been making Freezer Jams.  Yes, they are that good!!

***After following the directions, exactly (that are located in the Certo box) the jam containers then sit undisturbed for 24 hours.  After that time they are placed in the freezer.

Yes, I was daydreaming about the surf crashing on the shore two weeks ago at Nauset Light Beach while making jam yesterday.  We did see seals swimming at Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach.  It has been the summer of sharks looking for seals in the waters at the Cape.

Nauset Light Beach
at the Cape (Cape Cod)

My Peach Freezer Jam is now in our large freezer.  We'll enjoy it along with the Strawberry & Blueberry Jams in the coming year.  Hopefully, again, there is enough to last until next June!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

                 

Peach Freezer Jam

Peach Freezer Jam

The local peach crop is in this year!  That was just great news for me & my annual preparation of Peach Freezer Jam!  There are 9 containers of this yummy jam sitting on our dining room table as I am typing this.  One batch yields 9 one cup containers + a small custard cup filled with the remainder (covered with foil).

On Friday the local peaches were purchased.  The needed amount for preparing the jam was placed in paper lunch bags to ripen.  They sat (closed) on the counter for 2 days.  Yesterday, the ripened peaches went into the fridge.  Today is Peach Freezer Jam Day for me!

The process is always the same.  I use Certo liquid pectin.  The directions are found in each box of Certo.  I always read over my own Helpful Hints, too!  I make only one batch.  However, if you will be preparing 2 batches, make each batch separately.

To start, rinse the fruit under cold running water.  Use clean utensils. 

After the jam is prepared & placed in the 1 cup freezer containers & covered/ labelled, it sits undisturbed for 24 hours.  Tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM I'll be placing the Peach Freezer Jam in our large freezer!  That little custard cup?  Oh, that will be placed in our fridge to enjoy for the next couple of weeks.  :)

Freezer Jams are just the best!

We will enjoy them again this year!
Yummy!

~Peach Freezer Jam~

Peach Freezer Jam

In the spring I'd read in our local newspaper that the MA Peach crop would not be good.  In fact, it would probably not exist this year!  What, no way!  That was an eye opener to me!  Our local peaches make the best Peach Freezer Jam.  O.K., decades ago I used nectarines rather than peaches, but Peach Freezer Jam is my hubby's fave jam.  Skip forward to last week.  I called the local orchard hopefully thinking that just maybe there were a few peaches this year.  No such luck for local peaches, but they were selling New Jersey peaches.  Yes, yes, yes!  The New Jersey peaches saved the day for me!

After purchasing them, the next step was placing the peaches in brown paper lunch bags (closing the tops) to ripen on my kitchen counter- 3 per bag.  It took about 3- 4 days for my kitchen to have an aroma of peaches.  After opening the bags, they were stored in the fridge.  I could prep the jam!

Yesterday, I was ready.  I read through my Helpful Hints for making Freezer Jam & found the needed supplies.  Click here for Helpful Hints.  The directions for preparing the Freezer Jam are located inside the box of Certo.  Follow the directions, exactly!

The first step was preparing the Peaches. 

To remove Peach skins:

1. Bring a pot of cold water to Simmer on the stove.  
2. Carefully, using a slotted spoon, place each peach in the pot for about 45 seconds. (1- 2 at a time.)
3. Then with the slotted spoon, remove to a paper towel lined plate.  
4. After the fruit cools, the skins are easy to remove.  

***A potato masher is a useful utensil when crushing the fruit.

After filling the 1 Cup containers with the jam & snapping on the lid, each container was labeled/ dated.  They sat undisturbed on our Dining Room table for the required 24 hours.  This afternoon the containers found a home in our freezer.

As you can see in the above photo, I've used these 1 Cup containers before for jams.  My favorite shape is a circular shape, but they are no longer produced by Ziploc.  This year my reused containers have a colorful blue label.

Three Cheers for New Jersey Peaches!!!

Do you prep & store Freezer Jams?  They are just the best!  So much better than the commercial jams, too!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

         

Peach Freezer Jam

Place lids on top & label/ date the Peach Freezer Jam.
Sits on my table for 24 hours & then into the freezer!

Local fresh Peaches!  Yum!  Last Thursday at our Farmers' Market it did not take me long to spot the display of this delicious fruit.  I was on a mission.  5 or 6 of the Peaches would be needed to prep 1 batch of Peach Freezer Jam this week.  The other ingredients were in my pantry- just waiting for Peach Season!  This variety of Freezer Jam takes a bit more effort, but boy is it worth it.  In the middle of winter Jim will spread some on an English Muffin & I'll hear the comment, "This is my favorite flavor!"  Now, with an endorsement like that how can I pass on making this variety?  Truth is, I cannot.  So I purchased many Peaches- we'd also enjoy eating this juicy yummy fruit.  The Peaches I selected were all firm, so they would all ripen at once.

***An easy method to ripen them is to place 3- 4 Peaches (stem side down) in a brown paper lunch bag.  Close the top & leave on your kitchen counter for 1- 2 days.  Then check to see if the Peaches are ripe.  If not, close bag & check the next day.  After ripening, refrigerate.

Peaches ripening on counter.

Today was Peach Freezer Jam Day!  The Certo (liquid fruit pectin), Sugar & Lemon Juice were located.  My supply of 1 Cup Ziploc Freezer Containers were all purchased this past spring.  That was when I learned that my treasured 8 oz. containers were no longer manufactured.  It was time to stock up!  I had my Freezer Jams to make!

Following directions exactly are a must when making Freezer Jams.  As many times as I've made them over the past 30 years, I always reread the directions that are located in each Certo box.  I also reread my Cooking Hints (to read click here).  I always prepare 1 extra Peach, because it may be used.  Depends on size of Peaches.

    
Now, all 9 covered/ labeled/ dated containers are sitting undisturbed on my table- doing their thing for 24 hours.  Tomorrow at 5 PM the Peach Freezer Jam will find its spot on the top shelf of our freezer downstairs next to the Strawberry & Blueberry Jams!  :)

Do you make Freezer Jams?  You'd enjoy the taste!  

Enjoy!
Yummy!

       

Peachy Craisin Crisp

Ready to mix the Topping!

Got Peaches? Got Craisins? Got Oats?  If you have these ingredients just waiting in the wings - bake a delicious juicy colorful Peachy Craisin Crisp!  This dessert is the perfect addition to the menu for this holiday weekend!  Everyone will enjoy it!  No need to roll out a pie crust, either!

Ever since our local Peaches have been available, I've purchased them weekly.  The sweet fruit is so good in a fruit salad.  Some mighty tasty Peach Freezer Jam can be enjoyed all year, also- that is until your supply runs out!  Every week we devour the ripened fruit & I purchase them again.  Not this past week.  I did buy them, but I had the sole intention to bake a Peachy Craisin Crisp!  It was the perfect dessert for my DH's b'day!  A cake can be baked any time of the year, but local fresh Peaches come only once a year here in New England!

This is a family fave dessert!  My 8" x 8" rose colored Pyrex baking dish was filled with Peach slices.  About 1/4 cup Craisins were sprinkled on top & mixed in with the slices.  After 45 minutes of baking it came out of the oven.  Yum, yum, yum! 

To remove the Peach skins easily:  With a spoon place Peach in simmering water (enough water to cover piece of fruit) for about 25 seconds.  With spoon remove from water & cool until easy to handle.  Peel fruit & cut into slices.

Peachy Craisin Crisp
File Photo
In both my former & now my new oven the baking time is 45 Minutes.

Peachy Craisin Crisp
Oven Temperature:  375°F    Time:  45 Minutes

Ingredients:
6- 8 ripe Peaches

Topping Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
2/3 Cup Brown Sugar
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/3 Cup softened Butter or Margarine
1/4 Cup Craisins (dried cranberries)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spray glass baking dish with PAM.
3. Place sliced Peaches in baking dish.  
4. Sprinkle on Craisins and mix.
5. In small bowl combine all dry ingredients thoroughly.
6. Add softened Butter or Margarine & combine thoroughly.
7. Sprinkle this Topping mixture evenly over Peaches/ Craisins.
8. Bake 45 minutes or until Peaches are tender. 
9. Serve warm or cold topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
10. After cool, cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

This is a very yummy dessert!  During the summer months I don't roll out pie crusts & I do not like the taste of the commercially prepared crusts.  No pie crust needed here- this is a tasty treat!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

           

~Peach Freezer Jam~

This is the week - August 3- 9!  Tom Vilsack, our U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, has declared this week National Farmers Market Week!

If there is a Farmers Market near you, plan to stop in this week & purchase fresh fruits & vegetables that are available.  This Thursday when I stop in to our local Farmers Market, Peaches will definitely be one of my purchases.  They are locally grown.  They are sweet & juicy.  The local Peaches are a delicious snack & they also make very tasty Peach Freezer Jam!

Peach Freezer Jam is the last variety that I make every summer.  I have the Certo, Sugar, Lemon Juice & containers.  For over 30 years I've prepared Freezer Jams, but every time I always reread the directions located in the Certo package along with own my helpful hints.  Each batch is prepared separately. 

One of my helpful hints is:
To remove Peach skin- place the Peach in simmering water for about 35 seconds.  Remove, cool.  Skin peels with no waste.

Fresh Green Beans, Beets, Eggplants & Zucchini are also on my list when I stop in to our Farmers Market tomorrow!

Locally grown fresh fruits & vegetables are so good!  Next week stop in to a Farmers Market, again.  It's a great habit!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 
      

Peach Freezer Jam

Getting ready!

Life is just peachy!  Local fruit - yum!  We enjoyed fresh strawberries, then blueberries and now the locally grown peaches!  With each delicious fruit, our year's supply of Freezer Jam found its place on my dining room table "doing its thing" for the 24 hour time period.  Then, the Ziploc containers of Jam were placed on the top shelf in our large freezer. 

Fresh peaches are yummy!  Peach Jam is definitely a treat!  Peach Freezer Jam - so good!  This jam always takes a bit more time to prepare.  The peach skins are not included in the jam.  After rinsing the ripe fruit under cold running water, the skins need to be removed.  The easiest method to do this is to place each piece of fruit in simmering hot water for about 35 seconds.  Remove from water and drain.

When cool enough to handle, the skins will peel off easily (after being pierced).  Then, remove the pit.  Mash the fruit and then measure needed amount and place in a large bowl and continue following the directions found inside the package of Certo (liquid fruit pectin).

Homemade Freezer Jam is just the best!  Whenever I make a batch I always read the notes that I've shared with all of you (click here for notes) and I also reread & follow the Directions (exactly) found inside a box of Certo (liquid fruit pectin).  As I've shared before, in my younger years I made the cook over a hot stove in the heat of summer Jam.  However, one year after reading the directions for Freezer Jam in the package of Certo, I made a batch of Strawberry Freezer Jam.  It was so yummy, that I made the Blueberry Freezer Jam when the local blueberries were available.  Now, it's my kind of jam! 

Peach Freezer Jam may take longer to prepare than the Strawberry or the Blueberry varieties, but it also tastes great - especially during the harsh cold icy winter months!

Do you make Freezer Jam?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

Freezer Jam

There are only two containers of Freezer Jam remaining in our freezer – one container of Blueberry Jam and the other is Strawberry Jam. Every year during the month of May, I purchase the Certo and the 8 oz. Ziploc Containers for the preparation of the upcoming batches of jam. Making jam was always a summer activity when I was growing up. However, jam was only prepared by stirring the mixture over a hot stove in the heat of the summer. Years later, the process of making homemade jam became so much easier. The directions for Freezer Jam were included in the Certo box.

That first summer I gave it a try by following the directions exactly. Sugar was added to the washed crushed berries/fruit and stirred. The fruit mixture “sat” in a large bowl for 10 minutes and a combination of lemon juice and liquid Certo was added to the fruit mixture and then stirred for 3 minutes. Then the mixture was placed in the washed and dried Ziploc Containers and the lids were placed on the top. After adding the label, the prepared jam sat on my dining room table for 24 hours, just as the directions stated. Then, it was placed in our freezer to be stored and to be enjoyed at a later date.

Making that first batch of Freezer Jam proved to me that the much easier process was the method to use. When the strawberries ripen in our local area it will be time to make Strawberry Jam. Following that will be Blueberry Jam and then Peach Jam. This jam is absolutely delicious as a flavoring for Yummy Yogurt or on toast. Follow the directions exactly! It is scrumptious!!!