One of my favorite things to do is create unique jams, and I typically go more on the savory side when developing them. There's just something about blueberries and blackberries together that's so unique; one being slightly sweeter and the other being a bit more tart and tangy. Add some spiciness with hot peppers, and the deep flavor of a good bourbon, and you've just kicked the jam to a whole new level.
This a sweet and spicy chunky jam made with blackberries, blueberries, jalapenos, banana peppers and bourbon. It's spicy without being too hot, savory and sweet all at the same time. This is a great jam served with cream cheese or baked brie on top of crackers, making it a wonderful accompaniment to a cheeseboard.
RECIPE
Ingredients
2 cups blueberries
1 cup blackberries
1/2 cup seeded and diced jalapenos (or your favorite hot pepper)
1/2 cup seeded and diced banana peppers (or any other similar mild pepper)
3/4 cups white wine vinegar (may use red wine vinegar)
1 tsp butter to reduce foaming
1/2 cup bourbon
1 package Sure-Jell (powdered pectin, 1.75 oz box)
5 cups white sugar
Method
Wash and sort through the berries. All together they should measure out to 3 cups. Combine the berries with the diced jalapenos and banana peppers in a large saucepan along with the butter, white wine vinegar, bourbon and Sure-Jell. Heat mixture on high, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Once mixture comes to a rolling boil, add the sugar all at once. Stir continuously until it reaches a rolling boil once again, and cook for 1 full minute. Remove it from the heat and ladle into your cleaned and prepared canning jars. Wipe off the rims of the jars, add the lids and rings, and process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath or steam canner.
Remove jars and allow to sit undisturbed on your kitchen counter-top 24 hours. Jars are sealed when button on top of lid is fully depressed and doesn't move when touched.
Store in pantry up to one year.
Yield: 6 half-pint jars
Enjoy,
Mary
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