Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam

Why Make This Recipe

If you love the taste of fresh fruit preserves, you will adore making Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam. This jam combines the sweet, tart flavor of blackberries with a hint of floral lavender and a touch of vanilla. It’s a unique twist on standard jams and is perfect for anyone looking to add a special touch to their breakfast table. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make with just a few ingredients. Plus, preparing your own jam allows you to control what goes in it, making it a healthier and more satisfying choice than many store-bought options. Imagine spreading this delightful jam on a piece of warm toast, with a hint of vanilla and lavender to elevate your morning routine.

Whether you are an experienced canner or a cooking novice, making this jam can be a fun and rewarding experience. When you take the time to create something from scratch, you also gain the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your labor—literally! You can enjoy it yourself and share it with friends and family, making it a thoughtful homemade gift.

How to Make Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam

Making Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. Gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll soon have jars full of delightful homemade jam.

Ingredients

• 2 cups blackberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon pectin (optional for thicker jam)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
3. Add lavender flowers, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. If using, stir in the pectin and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer storage.

How to Serve Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam

Serving Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam is as delightful as making it. You can enjoy it in many ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Spread on Toast: This classic method allows the flavors to shine. Toast your bread to perfection and slather it with your jam.
• With Breakfast Foods: Use it on pancakes, waffles, or breakfast muffins for an added touch of sweetness.
• In Yogurt: Mix a spoonful into plain or vanilla yogurt. It enhances the taste and gives your morning a nutritious boost.
• As a Dessert Topping: Use it as a delicious topping for desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, or even chocolate cake.
• In Cheese Plates: Pair it with a cheese platter, especially with creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, for an elegant touch.

How to Store Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam

To ensure your Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam stays fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the jam within three weeks, simply store it in the refrigerator. Make sure you seal the jars tightly after each use.
• Water Bath Canning: If you want to keep the jam for longer, consider canning it using a water bath method. This method requires sterilized jars and provides a longer shelf life, allowing you to store the jam in a cool, dark place.
• Labeling: Always label your jam jars with the date of preparation. This practice helps you keep track of freshness.

Tips to Make Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam

Making jam is quite simple, but here are some tips to make the process even better:

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, ripe blackberries will yield the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh blackberries, frozen ones can work well too.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference. If you prefer less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly, but remember that sugar helps with preservation.
• Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of lavender or vanilla used. Everyone has different taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
• Use Fresh Lavender: Fresh lavender tends to have a stronger flavor than dried, so weigh that when you’re choosing between the two.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Pay attention to the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to overly thick jam, whereas undercooking may result in a runny consistency.

Variation

While this jam recipe is delightful as is, various twists can enhance it further. Consider these variations:

• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to introduce a warming spice flavor.
• Herbal Punch: Try adding other herbs like mint or rosemary for an interesting herbal flavor complementing the lavender.
• Other Fruits: Consider substituting or mixing in other fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Citrus Zest: Adding a bit of orange or lemon zest can enhance the freshness and acidity, making your jam even more vibrant.

FAQs

1. How long does Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam last?
When stored in the refrigerator, the jam lasts up to three weeks. If you can it using a water bath, it can last for a year or more in a cool, dark place.

2. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just be sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

3. What if I don’t have pectin?
The pectin is optional. The jam will still thicken without it, although it may take a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency.

4. How can I ensure my jars are sterilized?
Boil the jars and lids in hot water for 10 minutes before use, or run them through a dishwasher cycle on a hot setting.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger pot and allow for adequate cooking space, as the mixture will bubble and expand.

By using this straightforward recipe, you can make delicious Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam that will impress everyone around. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade jam and delight in its many uses!

Vanilla Lavender Blackberry Jam

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious jam combining the sweet, tart flavor of blackberries with floral lavender and a touch of vanilla, perfect for breakfast spreads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups blackberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon pectin (optional for thicker jam)

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
3. Add lavender flowers, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. If using, stir in the pectin and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer storage.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor. Adjust sugar to your sweetness preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: jam, blackberry, lavender, homemade, fruit preserve