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Flavorful Sour Cherry Bourbon Jam

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A quick and easy small batch jam recipe combining tart sour cherries with a warm bourbon kick and subtle spices, perfect for toast, cheese boards, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 grams) sour cherries, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fruit pectin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your cherries: Pit fresh sour cherries by cutting them in half and removing pits. If using frozen, defrost and drain excess juice. (10-15 minutes)
  2. Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Cook the jam: Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until cherries break down and mixture thickens.
  4. Add bourbon and spices: Stir in bourbon, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. If using pectin, sprinkle in now and stir constantly. Simmer another 5-10 minutes until jam coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Test the set: Place a spoonful on a chilled plate, cool for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, jam is ready; if not, simmer longer and test again.
  6. Cool and jar: Remove from heat, cool 5 minutes, then ladle into sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal tightly and cool completely before refrigerating.

Notes

Keep stirring frequently to prevent burning. Use fresh lemon juice for best acidity and set. Pectin is optional but recommended for firmer jam, especially with frozen cherries. Test jam set with chilled plate method if no thermometer is available. Cool jam completely before refrigerating. Jam thickens more as it cools.

Nutrition

Keywords: sour cherry jam, bourbon jam, small batch jam, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, homemade jam, cherry preserves

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/flavorful-sour-cherry-bourbon-jam-recipe-easy-small-batch-guide/