Cherry and Blueberry Jam with Cinnamon – A Perfectly Spiced Delight

If you are looking for a delicious and versatile jam to add to your breakfast, snacks, or desserts, this cherry and blueberry jam with cinnamon is the perfect choice. The combination of sweet cherries, tangy blueberries, and a hint of cinnamon creates a jam that is not only flavorful but also aromatic. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or even using as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Making jam at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensures that your jam is free from preservatives and artificial flavors. Plus, there's something truly satisfying about preparing a homemade preserve that you can enjoy all year round.

In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious cherry and blueberry jam with cinnamon, including tips for proper storage and ideas for serving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh cherries (pitted)
• 2 cups of fresh blueberries
• 1 ½ cups of sugar (you can adjust depending on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (to enhance the flavor)
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon)
• 1 tablespoon of pectin (if you want a firmer consistency, optional)
• ½ cup of water

Tools

• Large pot (for cooking the jam)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Jar funnel (optional, for easy pouring)
• Sterilized jars (for storing the jam)
• Lid and bands (for sealing the jars)
• Ladle (for transferring the jam into jars)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

• Cherries: Wash the cherries thoroughly, then pit them and cut them in half. This will help them break down more easily while cooking.
• Blueberries: Rinse the blueberries and remove any stems or leaves. You don’t need to cut them as they will break down when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit

1. In a large pot, combine the cherries, blueberries, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to help release the juices from the fruit.
2. Once the mixture has softened and the berries have released their juices, use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the fruit. This will create a smoother texture for your jam.
3. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the fruit mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon and Simmer

1. Add the cinnamon stick to the pot and continue to simmer the jam over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and cook for about 20-30 minutes.
2. If you prefer a thicker jam, you can add pectin during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will help the jam set faster and have a firmer consistency.
3. Check the consistency of the jam by placing a small spoonful on a plate and letting it cool. If it thickens to your liking, it’s ready for canning. If not, continue to cook for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Can the Jam

1. Once your jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the cinnamon stick and discard it.
2. Using a ladle, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any excess jam.
3. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands to seal them. If you’re using a water bath method to process the jars, place the jars in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. This will help ensure a proper seal and extend the shelf life of your jam.

Step 5: Cool and Store

1. Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound, which indicates that the jars are sealed.
2. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jam in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.

Tips for Perfect Jam

• Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of your fruit. If the cherries are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
• Spices: You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or vanilla for a unique twist. A touch of ground ginger can also add a warm flavor to the jam.
• Storage: Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place. If you are using a water bath canning method, the shelf life can be extended even further.
• Serving Ideas: This cherry and blueberry jam with cinnamon can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or serve it alongside cheese and crackers for a delicious snack. It’s also fantastic as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

To elevate your cherry and blueberry jam with cinnamon, here are some extra tips and variations that can help you create the perfect batch every time:

1. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of your cherries and blueberries, you may want to adjust the sweetness. If the fruit is particularly sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly to avoid making the jam too sweet. Alternatively, for a more intense sweetness, try adding a touch of honey along with the sugar.

2. Try Different Berries: While the combination of cherries and blueberries is delicious, you can also experiment with other berries. For example, blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries can be mixed in to create a more complex flavor profile. Feel free to use a single type of berry or a mix for variety.

3. Cinnamon Variations: If you're a fan of spices, you can try adding a little more cinnamon or even combine it with other spices such as nutmeg, clove, or ginger. A pinch of ground cardamom or allspice can also add an interesting twist to the flavor.

4. Lemon Zest: For added citrus flavor, consider adding lemon zest along with the lemon juice. The zest will enhance the brightness of the fruit and complement the cinnamon.

5. Thickening Tips: If your jam isn't thickening to your liking, you can add more pectin or cook it a little longer. However, keep in mind that the jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so be careful not to overcook it.

6. Storage and Shelf Life: If you're making large batches, you can freeze the jam for long-term storage. Simply allow the jam to cool before transferring it into freezer-safe jars or containers. Frozen jam can last up to a year. Once thawed, use it within a few weeks for the best flavor.

7. Serving Suggestions: Beyond just spreading it on bread, this jam works wonderfully as a topping for baked goods such as muffins, scones, or biscuits. You can also use it as a filling for cakes, pies, or pastries. It’s a great addition to yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a glaze for roasted meats.

8. Gift Idea: Homemade jam makes an excellent gift. Package it in pretty jars, add a ribbon or label, and gift it to friends and family for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or housewarming parties.

By following these tips and experimenting with flavors, you can create your own signature version of cherry and blueberry jam with cinnamon that suits your taste perfectly. Whether you're enjoying it on your morning toast or gifting it to loved ones, this jam is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion

Homemade cherry and blueberry jam with cinnamon is a delightful treat that brings the flavors of summer into your kitchen all year round. Whether you enjoy it on a slice of toast in the morning, as a topping for your favorite dessert, or simply by the spoonful, this jam is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate any dish it accompanies.

By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy the rich, fruity flavors of cherries and blueberries, enhanced by the warm, aromatic cinnamon. Make a batch today and savor the delightful taste of homemade jam!