Thimbleberry jam

Introduction

History

Thimbleberry jam has been a traditional recipe in the Pacific Northwest for generations. The Native American tribes in the region have long harvested thimbleberries for their sweet and tangy flavor, using them in various dishes including jams and desserts.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making thimbleberry jam, it is important to not wash the berries as this can wash away some of their natural flavor. Boiling the berries for a short amount of time helps to release their juices and create a thick jam consistency. Be sure to use sterile jars when storing the jam to prevent any spoilage.

Serving Suggestions

Thimbleberry jam is delicious spread on toast, scones, or muffins. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the thimbleberries helps to release their natural juices and create a thick jam consistency. Be sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If thimbleberries are not available, you can substitute raspberries or blackberries in this recipe. Adjust the sugar amount to taste, as different berries may vary in sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Thimbleberry jam can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to use sterile jars and lids to prevent spoilage.

Presentation Ideas

Thimbleberry jam can be presented in decorative jars with a ribbon or label for a homemade touch. It also makes a great gift for friends and family.

Pairing Recommendations

Thimbleberry jam pairs well with creamy cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese. It can also be used as a glaze for roasted meats or added to yogurt for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store thimbleberry jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply microwave the jam for a few seconds until warm and spreadable.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of thimbleberry jam contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Thimbleberry jam is high in carbohydrates due to the sugar used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Thimbleberry jam is low in fats, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Thimbleberry jam does not contain any significant amount of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Thimbleberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for jam. Each serving of thimbleberry jam provides a small amount of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

Thimbleberries are not known to be common allergens, but individuals with berry allergies should use caution when consuming thimbleberry jam.

Summary

Thimbleberry jam is a sweet and flavorful spread that is relatively low in calories and fats. It provides a small amount of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a delicious and healthy choice for a snack or dessert.

Summary

Thimbleberry jam is a delicious and sweet spread made from the wild thimbleberries of the Pacific Northwest. With its unique flavor and vibrant color, this jam is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Enjoy it on toast, scones, or pastries for a taste of the Pacific Northwest in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her cozy little cottage nestled in the countryside. As soon as I walked in, the sweet aroma of thimbleberries wafted through the air, tempting me with its tantalizing scent.

Sarah welcomed me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear," she said, leading me to the kitchen where a pot of bubbling red liquid sat on the stove.

"What is it?" I asked, feeling my mouth water at the sight.

"It's thimbleberry jam," Sarah replied with a smile. "I learned how to make it from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations."

I watched in awe as Sarah deftly stirred the jam, adding sugar and lemon juice to enhance the flavor. The berries had been picked fresh from the bushes that grew wild in the nearby fields, their delicate sweetness bursting with each bite.

As the jam simmered on the stove, Sarah regaled me with stories of her childhood spent foraging for thimbleberries with her grandmother. She described how they would spend hours in the sun, their fingers stained red from plucking the ripe berries off the bushes.

"I remember the first time my grandmother taught me how to make thimbleberry jam," Sarah said wistfully. "I was just a young girl, but I was determined to learn the secret to her delicious recipe. She showed me how to carefully wash and crush the berries, then simmer them with sugar until they formed a thick, luscious jam."

I listened intently, hanging on Sarah's every word as she recounted the joy of spending time in the kitchen with her beloved grandmother. The memories were bittersweet, tinged with nostalgia for a time long gone but cherished in her heart forever.

As the jam finished cooking, Sarah poured it into jars and sealed them tightly with lids. The rich, ruby red color glistened in the sunlight, beckoning me to taste it. I eagerly dipped a spoon into the jar and savored the sweet, tangy flavor that exploded on my tongue.

"It's perfect," I exclaimed, marveling at the exquisite taste of the thimbleberry jam. "I must learn how to make this myself."

Sarah chuckled at my enthusiasm and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "Here, my dear," she said. "This is my grandmother's original recipe. I'm sure you'll do it justice."

I thanked Sarah profusely, clutching the recipe card to my chest like a precious treasure. I vowed to master the art of making thimbleberry jam, just like Sarah and her grandmother before her.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients. I carefully washed and crushed the thimbleberries, marveling at their vibrant hue. I followed the instructions on the recipe card, adding sugar and lemon juice to the pot and stirring the mixture until it thickened to perfection.

As the jam simmered on the stove, the familiar scent of thimbleberries filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that summer day spent with Sarah. I closed my eyes and allowed the memories to wash over me, feeling a deep connection to my friend and her family through the simple act of cooking.

When the jam was ready, I poured it into jars and sealed them tightly, just as Sarah had taught me. I admired the glossy, ruby red color and knew that I had succeeded in mastering the art of making thimbleberry jam.

I shared the jam with my family and friends, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first taste. They marveled at the flavor and asked for more, eager to savor the delicious treat that I had lovingly prepared.

From that day on, thimbleberry jam became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the bond that I shared with Sarah and her family. Each time I made a batch, I felt a sense of pride and joy, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

And so, the recipe for thimbleberry jam became a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a symbol of friendship, love, and the enduring power of family recipes. It was a reminder that some things never change, no matter how much time passes – like the sweet taste of thimbleberries on a hot summer day.

Categories

| American Recipes | Preserves And Jam Recipes |

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