Strawberry Jam with Pure Vanilla

So as most of you know I have make Vanilla Extract . The Vanilla Pods came from a site called Saffron. Strawberries are available year around in Ventura County. They are ripe and they need to be cooked, chopped, canned or eaten with in the day you purchase them. Having so many right now I wanted to get a little creative. 

I searched the Internet and found a few strawberry jam recipes with vanilla added. Well in my opinion to add vanilla is not imitation vanilla extract. Good if you have no other resources for Pure Vanilla Pods or Extract.

I took three vanilla pods from the jug of Vanilla Extract. I only had to run my knife along the pods and the vanilla oozed out. It looked like motor oil. It was fabulous! I then took the vanilla pods and I squeezed the nummy out and chopped them into about one inch strips. I wanted to have at least one piece for each jar. I am looking at this batch making about 8 half pints. I have a variety of half pint jars all different shapes. How fun!


Ingredients

6 cups/ 2 pounds strawberries
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups sugar
3 vanilla bean, split lengthwise with the inner scraped out
*Then cut your vanilla beans into one inch pieces to place in your jars.
this is going to make this jam crazy vanilla delicious

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Smash the berries to break them up I use a potato masher. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring frequently.

Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thickened, about 1 hour. 

Test your jam to make sure it is set/gel. There are several ways to do this follow the link for more information. Once your jam has gotten to the set point turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Skim off the foam and jar up your jam into the warm jars. Leave a 1/2" head space. Wipe the rims of the jar and pop the lids on cap with a clean twist ring

Make sure you use sterilized jars and boil filled jars in your water bath for 12 minutes.

Once the jam has been on the water bath for 12 minutes turn off the heat. Let the jam sit for a few minutes the water is HOT. Remove the jars place them on a clean cloth on the counter and let them cool completely. Now remove the twist top wash the jars, label them and store in a cool dry place. Do not store your jars with the twist top on. 

Disclaimer: This is not an all inclusive recipe for making jam. You should have a basic knowledge and understanding of the canning process before proceeding. Please consult your local Center for Home Preservation for additional information and available classes.