Let's Jam!

Spread these fresh flavors for a sweet surprise and rock-star status is yours.

Vanilla Pear Berry Jam

This is the first jam that I came up with on my own—I love the flavor combo! —Rachel Creech, Marion, IN

Prep: 30 min. Process: 10 min. Makes: 7 half-pints

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled

2 cups chopped peeled ripe pears (about 2 medium)

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 pkg. (13/4 oz.) powdered fruit pectin

6 cups of sugar

2 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1. Crush strawberries; transfer to a Dutch oven. Stir in peas, lemon juice, and pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; skim off foam. Stir in vanilla.

2. Ladle hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

3. Place jars into canner, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

2 Tbsp.: 91 cal., 0 fat (0 sat. fat), 0 chol., 0 sod., 23g carb. (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 pros.

Three-Berry Freezer Jam

Give in to temptation and buy fresh berries in bulk. You’ll be glad you did when you transform those ripe little gems into a sweet spread that can also get you out of a gift-giving jam. —Shannon Becker, Burton, OH

Prep: 20 min. + standing Cook: 10 min. • Makes: 6 half-pints

2 cups fresh strawberries

2 cups fresh raspberries

2 cups fresh blackberries

51/4 cups sugar

2 Tbsp. lemon juice