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Small-Batch Sour Cherry Bourbon Jam

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A quick and easy small-batch jam made with sour cherries and bourbon, no pectin needed. This jam is thick, glossy, and bursting with rich cherry flavor and a hint of boozy warmth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 grams) fresh or frozen sour cherries
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: If using fresh sour cherries, pit them first. Frozen cherries can be used straight from the bag. Place 2 cups (300 grams) cherries in a medium saucepan with 1/4 cup (60 ml) water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries start breaking down and releasing juices.
  2. Add sugar and lemon juice: Stir in 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Simmer and stir: Lower heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring often to prevent sticking, for about 25 to 30 minutes until jam thickens and cherries soften completely. Use a potato masher if a smoother texture is desired.
  4. Add bourbon: Pour in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors and cook off some alcohol.
  5. Test the jam’s set: Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let cool for a minute. If it wrinkles and holds shape when you run your finger through it, the jam is ready. If runny, simmer a few minutes longer, stirring constantly.
  6. Cool and jar: Remove from heat and let cool about 10 minutes. Transfer to sterilized jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate once completely cool. Jam thickens further as it cools.

Notes

Keep an eye on the jam while cooking to prevent burning. Use the chilled plate test to check the jam’s set. Adjust sugar to taste but note less sugar may affect shelf life and thickness. Bourbon can be substituted with brandy, dark rum, or non-alcoholic juices like apple or cherry juice concentrate.

Nutrition

Keywords: sour cherry jam, bourbon jam, small-batch jam, no pectin jam, easy jam recipe, homemade jam, fruit preserves

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/small-batch-sour-cherry-bourbon-jam-recipe-no-pectin-easy-and-flavorful/