How to Make and Can Homemade Jam

There is seriously nothing better than homemade jam on hot homemade bread.  Since I covered how to make bread in my last post, I'm going to show you how to make jam today.

Here is a list of what you need before you start making your jam.  For a more complete review of the gear you need to start canning and preserving see my post here.

• Hot water bath canner
• Canning utensil set
• Mason Jars and Lids (5 pint jars or 9-1/2 pint jars per batch)
• Pectin (I use Sure-Jell, but any pectin will work fine)
• 3-4 pounds of sugar per batch
• 2-3 pound of fruit per batch, depending on the fruit and the recipe

The instructions found in the box of pectin will tell you exactly how much fruit and sugar you need.  In the video I made raspberry jam, which calls for 5 cups of crushed berries and 7 cups of sugar (I know, why do you think it tastes so good?) The instructions for preparing the jam are the same no matter what fruit you are using, although the ratio of fruit to sugar does change slightly.  Follow the instructions from the pectin box as precisely as possible to be sure your jam sets.  I hope this video helps as you prepare and preserve your own jam!
Homemade jam on homemade English muffins...YUM!

(Note: Some links in this post are my affiliate links. I will never recommend anything to my readers that I wouldn't buy myself.)

Zaycon Chicken $1.49/lb.

I wanted to post this as soon as found out because it is a real steal!  Zaycon is selling chicken for $1.49/lb.  That's not a typo, that's simply the best price you will ever find for boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I just ordered myself 80 pounds of it.  Maybe that sounds like a lot, but I ordered 40 pounds last March and have been surprised at how fast we have gone through it.  This time I am planning to can about 50 pounds of it (for my post on how to can chicken go here).  With the other 30 pounds I am planning to make freezer meals in preparation for our baby to arrive.  Hopefully I won't have to cook for a couple of months that way:)

For those of you who are new readers, Zaycon Foods is a Spokane-based company that brings fresh meats and other products directly to consumers at wholesale prices. Their specialty is Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – 100% natural, no added hormones, additives or artificial ingredients. Even better is that their chicken comes directly from the farm – it is never frozen, and always fresh. The chicken is sold in 40 lb. boxes, and comes packaged in (4) 10 lb. bags – (perfect for those that want to split a box with another family).

The process is easy:  you order from Zaycon directly through their secure website, and then you pick up your order at a specific Zaycon Food Savings event.  For those of you in Arizona they have locations in Mesa, Peoria, Queen Creek, Chandler, Marana, Flagstaff, Prescott, Goodyear, Tucson, Maricopa, and Casa Grande.  The date and time for pick up are different for each location, so check their website here.  For my readers in Utah they have locations all along the Wasatch Front and in St. George.  They also have locations in Idaho, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and in most states throughout the country.  If I were you I would go ahead and register on their website so you can receive email notifications when they have events near you

How can you get it on this amazing deal?

• Register at Zaycon Foods to be notified of future sales.
• Place your order and select a pick up location.
• Pick up your chicken at the time and location you have selected.

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!