Vanilla Scented Strawberry Jam

To continue what I started (see Homemade Peanut Butter recipe blog), no peanut butter is complete without the proper jam. As far as the jam goes, I prefer the quick non-sugary method sweetened with honey or agave nectar. It only requires a clean jar and a pot, no special equipment.  My favorite is strawberry vanilla, but of course you can use whichever organic fruit you prefer.  No fruit in season?  Frozen works just fine.

So, if you want to make yourself a special peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you should combine my Homemade Peanut Butter blog recipe with my Vanilla Scented Strawberry Jam!  If you have kids, even better for them because they can help you choose the flavors to make.

Note: You can substitute the strawberries for other fruits such as raspberries, peaches, blueberries or mangoes.

Author: Amy Lyons O’Neil

Amy has worked for Fresh and Natural Foods since 2006 contributing to the variety of healthful foods we offer. She graduated with a degree in studio art from Bethel University in 2007, but in her senior year of college, found that her passion was with the art of food. She later used her photography and culinary skills to create a vegan food and recipe blog, Fragrant Vanilla Cake. She has also written 3 cookbooks. She specializes in vegan and vegetarian recipes. Local, fresh and organic food has always been her focus in whatever she creates.

Twitter Facebook

Servings: 16 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Ready in: 45 minute

Ingredients

• 20 oz. fresh or frozen organic strawberries
• 3/4 cups raw honey or agave nectar
• Juice of one large lemon
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 vanilla bean

Instructions

Lightly blend strawberries, honey (or agave nectar), and lemon juice in blender (you want to keep it chunky). Pour mixture into a pot and add salt.

Slit the vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife, and scrape the seeds out. Throw the seeds and bean into the pot.

Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour jam into an air tight container. Jam will store in your refrigerator for several months.