Carrot Cake Jam

I should say Lower Sugar Carrot Cake Jam, because really it has about 1/3 the sugar of any other recipes out there. Believe me when a recipe only make 5-6 half pints of jam 7-9 cups of sugar is just TOO much. Now I use Pomona Pectin, available at most grocery stores in the natural foods section, and I have for many years. I love Pomona Pectin and use it exclusively because it jells no matter what and can be made with ANY amount of sugar or none at all. If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know that I love this pectin, the company encourages it's users to experiment and make up their own recipes. Here is a post  I wrote about it if you are interested.

Carrot Cake Jam

1 ½ cups finely grated carrots

1 ½ cups chopped apple--peeled and cored first

1 ¾ cups crushed canned pineapple, including juice

juice of one orange

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp ground cloves

pinch of ground ginger

4 teaspoons calcium water-comes with Pomona Pectin(it's the reason it always jells!)

2 cups sugar

4 teaspoons Pomona Pectin

begin heating water for a boiling water bath in a canner

wash 6 half pint jars and matching lid assemblies--I am a convert to the Tattler Lids--use what you have

in a large stainless steel pan combine carrots, apples, pineapple with juice, orange juice and spices bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently

reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally

stir in the calcium water

and return to a boil

mix the pectin with the sugar

and stir into the jam

cook and stir for one minute

remove form heat ladle into prepared jars

place in the canner and process for 10 minutes

use canning tongs to remove from the water 

let them set undisturbed until cooled

check to make sure the jars are sealed-any unused jars need to be put in the fridge and used first

this makes between 5-6 half pint jars, make them in smaller jars if you want to

I tasted this when it was done and boy is it good! I can see a softened cream cheese and Carrot Cake Jam spread in my future. Imagine unexpected guests feeling welcomed when you pull this baby out of the pantry and feed them a delicious snack you just happened to have. Hey now no unexpected visits from any of you!

Peace and Love--