August 11, 2009

We Be Jammin': Maine Blueberry Jam

Picture this: you're getting married, concerning yourself with colors, entree options, flower arrangements, reception hall reservations and the like... when you think of favors. Wouldn't it be nice to give each of your beloved family members and friends a little reminder of the happy time they shared with you on a beautiful day in Maine? How about something that showcases the bounty of the harvest in Maine... (no, not lobster, that'd be gross), but blueberry jam!

Never mind the fact that you don't know how to make jam (or can for that matter) - that's where your friend Kate comes in!

So yeah, a marathon jamming session on Sunday, resulting in 79 quarter pints (4 oz. jars) of wild blueberry jam. I'd say sorting the 22 pounds of berries was the worst part... so thank goodness I didn't have to do that!

We made several batches using different types of sweetener, honey, raw sugar, and apple juice. And we used a variety of pectin, as well - Pomona's and Ball's No Sugar Needed. Everything turned out really well (all but one of our jars sealed, no one burned themselves, and all the batches tasted great), and the bride and groom-to-be are very happy to cross that "chore" off their list.