Name: Skillet Cornbread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 cup corn meal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/3 cup buttermilk; 2 eggs; 6 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for the pan)

Skillet Cornbread

October 1, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Skillet Cornbread – A quick and easy side dish great for a weeknight dinner or the holidays. Made in a cast iron skillet with just a few simple ingredients.

Skillet Cornbread

One of the best parts of soup, stew, and chili season (aka fall and winter) is getting to have a whole bunch of cornbread. Whether it is cornbread muffins, cornbread in a skillet, cornbread dumplings, corn meal mush, etc, I think it all tastes great.

For this recipe, I wanted to pull out my handy cast iron skillet and make it in that. Now you can really customize this recipe by adding corn, jalapenos, bacon, etc but I just kept it plain and simple with no extra add ins. It is just nice and fluffy inside with a crisp crust on the outside that makes it perfect to serve on the side with a slab of butter on top or crumbled into a bowl of chili.

Common Questions About Making Skillet Cornbread

Why does my cornbread stick to my cast iron skillet?

To help avoid cornbread stick to a cast iron skillet, leave the skillet in the oven while it is preheating so that it is the same heat as the oven when you transfer the batter into it.

Should cornbread have corn in it?

It is totally up to you! I love adding corn to cornbread but it is optional. If you choose to do so, click HERE for my instructions on how to cook corn and add 2 cups to the recipe.

What can I add to my cornbread?

Some of the most popular additions to cornbread include –

Jalapenos
Honey
Cheddar
Zucchini
Bacon
Maple
Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin
Hatch Green Chiles

What can I serve cornbread with?

Some of my favorites things to serve cornbread with are –

Looking for more side dishes? Check out these recipes!

Skillet Cornbread

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Skillet Cornbread - A quick and easy side dish great for a weeknight dinner or the holidays. Made in a cast iron skillet with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
6 tablespoons butter (melted)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, for the pan)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and place a 9" cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
In a large mixing bowl, combine corn meal, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Add in buttermilk, eggs, and 6 tablespoons of butter. Mix with the dry ingredients until well combined.
Remove cast iron skillet from the oven and spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter evenly inside of it. Transfer batter to the pan and place back in the oven. Lower heat to 375 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and it comes out clean.
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing up and serving.

Skillet Cornbread - A quick and easy side dish great for a weeknight dinner or the holidays. Made in a cast iron skillet with just a few simple ingredients. Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread | Skillet Cornbread | Cornbread Made in a Skillet

Roasted Purple Potatoes

September 21, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Roasted Purple Potatoes – A quick and easy side dish that makes any meal beautiful. These purple potatoes are roasted in a cast iron skillet and taste amazing.

Roasted Purple Potatoes

Roasted purple potatoes are one of my go-to things to make for lunch. I know, it’s kind of weird to just eat potatoes for lunch but trust me, it’s great! I found these beauties at my local Busch’s a few months back and have been making them pretty regularly since.

Now you can get crazy and experiment with different spice blends to use on the potatoes but for this recipe I stuck to pretty basic spices. Feel free to add more in or try completely different spices. One of my favorite spice blends to use on purple potatoes is a maple spice blend and it is surprisingly good!

Common Questions About Purple Potatoes

Do purple potatoes taste different?

Just like other varieties of potatoes, purple potatoes taste have a distinct taste from russets, yukon golds, etc. These potatoes are smooth and creamy with a earthy taste.

Are purple potatoes natural?

Yes, the color is natural.

Why are purple potatoes purple?

The potatoes are purple because of a pigment found in this type of potatoes.

Can you eat the skin of purple potatoes?

Of course! You are welcome to skin them if you want but there is no need to if you wash them well.

What can I use purple potatoes in?

Anything that you use a potato in normally! Here are some of my favorite uses –

Mashed Potatoes
Potato Soup
Potato Latkes
Potato Au Gratin
Roasted Root Vegetables

Looking for dinner ideas to pair with this recipe? Check out these recipes!

… And here are some other side dishes to try!

Roasted Purple Potatoes

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Roasted Purple Potatoes - A quick and easy side dish that makes any meal beautiful. These purple potatoes are roasted in a cast iron skillet and taste amazing.

Ingredients

2 pounds purple potatoes (cleaned and quartered)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until the potatoes are well coated. Transfer to a large skillet or sheet pan and place in the oven to cook for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.

Roasted Purple Potatoes - A quick and easy side dish that makes any meal beautiful. These purple potatoes are roasted in a cast iron skillet and taste amazing. Purple Potato Recipe | Purple Potatoes | Roasted Purple Potatoes

Venison Barley Soup

September 11, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Venison Barley Soup – A delicious spin on classic beef barley soup made with venison instead of beef! Made with classic ingredients such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and more with instructions for cooking the stew in a slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stovetop.

Venison Barley Soup

This year, I discovered the joys of cooking with barley. The warm, nutty flavor has become a favorite of mine as I try to think up new and exciting ways to incorporate it into recipes. One of my favorite ways to use it so far has been in venison barley soup. This is a fun spin on classic beef barley soup but with venison instead of beef. If you have some extra venison on hand from last season or are looking for recipes to make with venison in the coming weeks, then you have to give this recipe a go. It is perfectly cozy and delicious!

Common Questions About Making Venison Barley Soup

What goes with venison barley soup?

There are so many great options for what to serve with venison barley soup but here are some of my favorite side dishes –

What kind of barley is best for soup?

Pearl barley is the barley to use in this recipe.

Should barley be cooked before adding to soup?

If you want the barley to thicken the soup/stew up then you should refrain from cooking the barley before adding it to the soup. If you want the soup to be more brothy, then you should cook it before adding it in.

Does barley thicken soup?

Yes, barley does a great job thickening soups and stews up.

What cut of venison is best for soup?

Generally, I go for rump or chuck but most cuts will work decently well as they really tenderize while cooking.

Is venison healthier than beef?

There isn’t a huge difference between the two but venison tends to be a bit leaner, higher in protein, and higher in iron (according to Taste of Home).

How long does venison barley soup last in the fridge?

Generally, 3-4 days is about as long as you want to keep venison barley soup in the fridge. If you have leftovers that you want to save for longer, you can freeze it by transferring the cooled soup into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Looking for other venison recipes?

Venison Barley Soup

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Venison Barley Soup - A delicious spin on classic beef barley soup made with venison instead of beef! Made with classic ingredients such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and more with instructions for cooking the stew in a slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stovetop.

Ingredients

1 pound venison
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion (peeled and diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
4 potatoes (peeled and cubed)
2-3 carrots (sliced)
1 celery stalk (chopped)
4 cups beef broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons worchestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup pearl barley

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

In a medium pan, saute the venison,onion, and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until the venison has browned.
Transfer browned meat, onions, and garlic into a dutch oven. Add in beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, thyme, worchestershire sauce, bay leaf, pepper, and pearl barley. Bring the soup to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer to cook for 45-60 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
Remove bay leaf and serve.

Slow Cooker Instructions

In a medium pan, saute the venison, onion, and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until the venison has browned.
Transfer the browned meat, onions, and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add in beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, thyme, worchestershire sauce, bay leaf, pepper, and pearl barley. Set slow cooker to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours.
Remove bay leaf and serve.

Instant Pot Instructions

Using the SAUTE function on the Instant Pot, saute the venison, onion, and garlic in olive oil until the venison has browned.
Add in beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, thyme, worchestershire sauce, bay leaf, pepper, and pearl barley. Seal the Instant Pot and cook using HIGH pressure for 35 minutes and then allow for natural release.
Once the stew has finished cooking and the Instant pot has depressurized via natural release, remove the bay leaf.

Notes

You can use any of the three different instructions (stovetop, slow cooker, or instant pot) to make this recipe. Just follow the exact instructions under the heading of the method you would like to use and ignore the rest.

Venison Barley Soup - A delicious spin on classic beef barley soup made with venison instead of beef! Made with classic ingredients such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and more with instructions for cooking the stew in a slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stovetop. Venison Recipe | Venison Soup | Barley Soup

Roasted Zucchini

September 10, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Roasted Zucchini – A quick and easy side dish made with just 5 ingredients in less than 20 minutes. This zucchini recipe is perfect to go with an easy weeknight meal or to serve during the holidays.

Roasted Zucchini

Our garden has been producing so many zucchini this year! After making plenty of loaves of zucchini bread this year, I have been trying to dabble in savory ways to prepare zucchini. One of my favorite ways has been making roasted zucchini. This dish is so easy to make and it tastes great paired with just about anything. I served it with burgers and melting potatoes most recently and it was such an awesome meal.

Now you can really customize this recipe and add other spices and seasonings that you like to it. I kept mine pretty basic but make it your own!

Common Questions About Roasting Zucchini

What is the best way to eat zucchini?

You can serve it raw, roast it, air fry it, put it in soup, turn it into zoodles, add it into zucchini bread, etc. The options are limitless because of how versatile it it.

Do you need to peel zucchini before cooking with it?

If you bought zucchini from the store, I suggest peeling it as the outside might be waxed for preservation purposes. If you grew it yourself or got it from a farmers market, don’t worry about it unless you don’t want the skin.

What does zucchini go well with?

Zucchini go well with just about any meal. I love serving it with meats, pasta, soup, etc.

Can you eat zucchini raw?

Yes, you can eat raw zucchini. It’s great added to a vegetable platter raw to serve with dips such as roasted red pepper dip, everything bagel dip, or creamy onion dip.

Looking for dinner ideas to pair with this recipe? Check out these recipes!

… And here are some other side dishes to try!

Roasted Zucchini

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Roasted Zucchini - A quick and easy side dish made with just 5 ingredients in less than 20 minutes. This zucchini recipe is perfect to go with an easy weeknight meal or to serve during the holidays.

Ingredients

2 zucchini
3 cloves garlic (mined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Slice both zucchinis 1/4" thick and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until the zucchini are well coated.
Transfer zucchini to a cast iron skillet (or lined sheet pan) and place in oven. Cook for 14-16 minutes or until zucchini is tender. Serve immediatly.

Roasted Zucchini - A quick and easy side dish made with just 5 ingredients in less than 20 minutes. This zucchini recipe is perfect to go with an easy weeknight meal or to serve during the holidays. Zucchini Recipe | Roasted Zucchini | Zucchini Side Dish

Spiced Pear Quick Bread

September 1, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Spiced Pear Quick Bread – This easy quick bread is filled with fall flavors and is made in just 1 hour. This recipe is a great way to use up extra pears!

Spiced Pear Quick Bread

Anyone else ready for some fall baking? After a great summer season filled with peaches, blackberries, raspberries, and more, I am quite excited for some fall flavors like apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, cranberry, and pear. To start off the season, I decided to make a spiced pear quick bread that is based on the recipe I use for blackberry bread. Instead of blackberries, I combined fresh pears and warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, etc. If you don’t have some of these spices, that is perfectly fine. The most important ones are cinnamon and ginger, you can make do without some of the others if need be!

This bread is great topped with a bit of butter and honey for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!

Common Questions About Making Spiced Pear Quick Bread

What can I do with pears that are ripe?

There are so many great things to do with ripe pears including –

Pear Muffins
Pear Pie
Smoothies
Pear Butter
Pancakes

And more!

Can you freeze pears?

Absolutely. I suggest dicing the pears up and freezing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Do I have to peel pears for baking?

Nope. While you can peel pears before using them in baking, I usually leave the skins on for a bit more texture.

Can quick breads be frozen?

Yes. To freeze a quick bread –

Bake the bread and let it fully cool.
Tightly wrap in plastic wrap.
Wrap it again with either aluminum foil or a freezer safe plastic bag.
Place in freezer for up to 6 months.

These instructions will work with an quick bread that you make.

Looking for more baked goods to try making? Check out these recipes!

Spiced Pear Quick Bread

Yield: 8 Slices

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Spiced Pear Quick Bread - This easy quick bread is filled with fall flavors and is made in just 1 hour. This recipe is a great way to use up extra pears!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh pear (diced)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the pears. Mix until well combined and then gently fold in diced pears.
Transfer the batter to a loaf pan and sprinkle with extra sugar (optional). Place in oven and cook for 60-70 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
Let cool 15-20 minutes before transfering to a cooling rack.

Spiced Pear Quick Bread - This easy quick bread is filled with fall flavors and is made in just 1 hour. This recipe is a great way to use up extra pears! Pear Recipe | Quick Bread Recipe | Pear Bread

Roasted Radishes

September 1, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Roasted Radishes – A delicious side dish made with just 4 simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes. This is the best way to cook radishes!

Roasted Radishes

Anyone else at a loss for what to do with all of those radishes in their garden? I know this year we planted radishes in the garden and when they popped up, we threw them in the back corner of the fridge because we had no idea what to do with them. There is only so many times you can slice one up and put it on a salad. I started to wonder if I could roast them up in a cast iron skillet with some butter and garlic so I gave that a try and I was pleasantly surprised. They tasted great! Cooking them took some of the bitter edge off and made them really wonderful to eat!

Common Questions About Making Roasted Radishes

Can you eat raw radishes?

Yes, people commonly eat raw radishes and it is perfectly fine.

Should you peel radishes?

It is not necessary to peel radishes but you can do it if you wish. When prepping a radish, all you need to do is wash it and then trim the stem off.

What can I do with a bunch of radishes?

There are so many options of what to do with radishes. Some of the popular things to do include –

Slicing them and adding them to a salad.
Using them in garnish in things such as tacos.
Pickling.
Roasting.

And more!

Are radishes better cooked or raw?

It is completely a matter of taste. I prefer to eat radishes cooked but other people prefer them raw.

What does a cooked radish taste like?

A cooked radish tastes like a cross between a potato and the stem of broccoli. It’s quite good!

Looking for dinner ideas to pair with this recipe? Check out these recipes!

… And here are some other side dishes to try!

Roasted Radishes

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Roasted Radishes - A delicious side dish made with just 4 simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes. This is the best way to cook radishes!

Ingredients

4 cups radishes
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon parsley (minced)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Wash radishes and slice off the stems. Quarter the radishes and put them in a medium mixing bowl with melted butter and garlic. Mix until the radishes are well coated.
Transfer radishes to a cast iron skillet (or glass baking dish). Place in oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the radishes are tender. Sprinkle parsley on top and serve.

Featured on Southern Cravings

Smoked Pork Loin

August 31, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Smoked Pork Loin – Juicy and flavorful pork loin rubbed in spices and cooked in a smoker. This easy meal is going to be a family favorite!

Smoked Pork Loin

I have been loving using my Traeger this summer. After making smoked chicken breasts a few weeks ago, I wanted to venture into the realm of cooking pork on the Traeger. I was so happy with how it turned out that I am trying out cooking pork chops on it tonight!

Normally, I feel as though it can be hard to keep pork nice and juicy but by smoking it, it wasn’t over cooked and it was perfectly juicy. The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make, you just rub seasonings on the pork and then put it on the smoker to do it’s thing. That’s it! I served it with some herb quick bread, roasted radishes, and melting potatoes and it was the perfect meal!

Common Questions About Smoking Pork Loins

How long do you smoke a pork loin per pound?

You smoke pork loin about 30 minutes per pound. I used a 2 pound pork loin so I cooked it for about 1-1 1/2 hours.

Do you wrap a pork loin in foil while smoking?

It is not necessary to wrap a pork loin with foil while smoking but it is suggested to wrap it in foil while it rests after it finishes up cooking.

Do you smoke pork loin fat side up or down?

I suggest cooking with fat side up so that the fat can drip down onto the rest of the pork loin as it cooks but either way is fine.

What is the perfect temperature for pork loin?

The USDA recommends that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

What flavor of pellets should I use for smoking pork?

Any flavor will taste good but some of the suggested ones for pork include alder, apple, cherry, hickory, maple, and pecan.

What seasoning blend should I use for smoking pork loin?

The seasoning blend that you choose for smoking pork loin is totally up to you. Whether you have a favorite seasoning blend on hand that you made or one that you got from the store, it is bound to taste good. I went with the pork and poultry rub from Traeger for mine because that is what I had on hand and it was great.

Looking for more dinner recipes to try making? Check out these recipes!

Smoked Pork Loin

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Smoked Pork Loin – Juicy and flavorful pork loin rubbed in spices and cooked in a smoker. This easy meal is going to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

1 pork loin roast (about 2 pounds)
1/4 cup seasoning blend of choice*

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine pork loin and seasonings, rubbing until completely covered.
Once the smoker is at the correct heat, lay the pork loin out on the grates to cook for 1-1 1/2 hours. Make sure to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the piece of porl using a meat thermometer to confirm it is 165 degrees before removing from the smoker. This is crucial to know if it has cooked through fully.
Once cooked through, transfer to a platter to let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

*This seasoning blend can be just about anything from a barbecue rub to a spice blend you like to a homemade spice blend such as this one. Experiment and see what flavors you like the most.

Smoked Pork Loin – Juicy and flavorful pork loin rubbed in spices and cooked in a smoker. This easy meal is going to be a family favorite! Smoker Recipes | Smoked Pork | Smoked Pork Loin

Zucchini Bread

August 28, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Zucchini Bread – This delicious classic is a great way to use up extra zucchini. A sweet quick bread filled with grated zucchini and warm spices.

Zucchini Bread

It’s zucchini season in the garden! With so many coming off the plant, I have been trying to get creative with uses for the zucchini so that we don’t get tired of it. Whether it’s been roasted zucchini, zucchini cornbread casserole, adding zucchini to stir frys, or even using it as zoodles, I’ve tried it. My very favorite way to use zucchini has definitely been making zucchini bread with it.

Whether you get fancy with your zucchini bread and you add nuts, bananas, streusel, lemon, blueberries, etc, it is always tasty. Personally, my favorite way is to just have it plain with a bit of butter or even a bit of blueberry jam on top. I love just having the flavor of the spices come through but that being said, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Common Questions About Making Zucchini Bread

Do you peel zucchini for bread?

No, you do not peel zucchini for zucchini bread. It creates unnecessary work that will not be noticeable in the end product.

How many zucchini is 2 cups grated?

For me, 1 medium-large zucchini produced exactly 2 cups of zucchini when grated. It will vary with the size of the zucchini but just measure it out and shred as needed to get enough.

Can I freeze grated zucchini?

Yes. To freeze grated zucchini –

Transfer it to a freezer-safe plastic bag.
Remove as much air as you can.
Close the bag up and store for up to 8 months.

Does zucchini bread need to be refrigerated?

Zucchini bread does save better if refrigerated. On the counter it can last about 3 days but if you refrigerate it, it can save for up to a week.

Can I freeze my zucchini bread?

Yes. To freeze a zucchini bread –

Bake the bread and let it fully cool.
Tightly wrap in plastic wrap.
Wrap it again with either aluminum foil or a freezer safe plastic bag.
Place in freezer for up to 6 months.

What is the difference between yeast breads and quick breads?

A yeast bread is made using yeast as the leavening agent while quick breads rely on baking soda or baking powder to make the bread rise.

Looking for more baked goods to try making? Check out these recipes!

Zucchini Bread

Yield: 8 Slices

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Zucchini Bread - This delicious classic is a great way to use up extra zucchini. A sweet quick bread filled with grated zucchini and warm spices.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/3 cup water
2 cups zucchini (grated)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
In a large mizing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well combined.
Transfer batter to the loaf pan and then transfer to the oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and it comes out clean.

Zucchini Bread - This delicious classic is a great way to use up extra zucchini. A sweet quick bread filled with grated zucchini and warm spices. Zucchini Bread Recipe | Zucchini Recipe | Homemade Zucchini Bread

Blackberry Jam

August 27, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Blackberry Jam (+ Optional Canning Instructions) – Delicious homemade jam made with just 4 simple ingredients. This classic recipe can either be canned or immediately used.

Blackberry Jam

I have been loving blackberry season this year! After finding a bunch of blackberry bushes on the property, I started trying to get creative with ways to use them up in recipes. First up was making blackberry bread and after how great that was, I moved on to making a batch of blackberry jam. Now this jam is great on everything from muffins to morning toast to using it right in baked goods. Whether you use blackberries picked from your yard or a bin from the grocery store, this blackberry jam is bound to be a hit!

Common Questions About Making Blackberry Jam

How do you make blackberry jam from scratch?

Making blackberry jam from scratch is easy. To make it, simply place blackberries in a saucepan over medium heat with lemon juice, pectin, and sugar. As the blackberries release juice, smash them using a potato smasher until the jam is as chunky or as smooth as you want. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, the jam should thicken up. Remove from heat and transfer to a jar.

Why do you put lemon juice in blackberry jam?

Lemon juice is used in jam to set it.

What can blackberry jam be used for?

Blackberry jam can used for so many things such as toast, english muffins, baking, etc.

Can you use frozen blackberries in blackberry jam?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries in blackberry jam. If you chose to go that route, please do not defrost before using them.

How do you get the seeds out of blackberries for jam?

You can run the jam through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds from the jam.

How long does homemade blackberry jam last?

Blackberry jam can last up to two years in a cool, dry place (such a cupboard) if it is canned or once opened (or if it was never canned), up to three months in the refrigerator.

Love this blackberry jam recipe? Check out these other jam recipes!

Canning Guidelines

The National Center for Home Food Preservation has a detailed guide to home canning available on the internet to answer any canning questions how cooks could have. Click HERE to read more specific details about what you plan to can.

Some other interesting points about canning include –

Can food be re-canned if the lid does not seal?

If discovered within 24 hours, it can be re-canned. Remove lid, check that isn’t anything wrong with the jar, and then find the lid manufacturer’s instructions of re-canning using their lids.

If canned foods have been frozen during storage, are they safe to eat?

Freezing will be fine for the food in side the jar but it can break the jar or seal. You are better off putting the canned goods in a pantry.

Is it safe to process food in the oven?

No, please do not process in the oven. There is a higher chance of jars exploding in the oven and the temperature can vary too muc.

Is it all right to reuse jar lids and bands?

No, do not use lids a second time but bands can be reused unless they are heavily rusted or bent.

When In Doubt, Throw It Out

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. If you canned your jam and you think something is wrong, chances are it is. For your safety, don’t eat it. These problems can include –

The container is leaking, bulging, or swollen
The container looks damaged, cracked, or abnormal
The container spurts liquid or foam when opened
The food is discolored, moldy, or smells bad

Trust your gut and play it safe when it comes to canning goods at home.

Blackberry Jam

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Blackberry Jam (+ Optional Canning Instructions) – Delicious homemade jam made with just 4 simple ingredients. This classic recipe can either be canned or immediately used!

Ingredients

4 cups blackberries
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons pectin
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients. Once the blackberries start to soften and give off juice, use a potato smasher to break apart the raspberries to the chunkiness you want the jam to be.
Once at a boil, remove from heat and skim off the foam.
If you aren't canning the recipe, transfer the jam to a clean mason jar and let cool to room temperature before placing in the refridgerator for storage.

Canning Instructions (Optional)

Sterilize jars - Rinse Mason jars, rims and lids with hot, soapy water. In a large saucepan, bring enough water to a boil to cover the mason jars, lids, and tongs. Boil for 15 minutes.
Remove mason jars from the saucepan and carefully ladle in hot jam, leaving about 1/4" space at the top. Remove air bubbles and then place on the rims and lids.
Bring the saucepan full of water back to a boil and transfer the cans into the pan. Let boil for 10 minutes before removing them from the water using the tongs.
If you want to check to make sure that the seal on the jar has set, let the jars cool to room temperature, remove the bans, and make sure that the lid's seal is firm.

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Peach Jam

August 26, 2020 by Madison Leave a Comment

Peach Jam (+ Optional Canning Instructions) – Delicious homemade jam made with just 4 simple ingredients. This classic recipe can either be canned or immediately used!

Peach Jam

One of my favorite ways to start the day during the summer is a nice cup of cold brew coffee and a piece of brioche bread with a bit of homemade jam on it. With peaches being in season here in Michigan, I got a nice back at the local farmers market and went to work turning them into a batch of jam! I was so happy with how it turned out, it tastes just like summer in a mason jar!

Common Questions About Making Peach Jam

How do you make peach jam from scratch?

Making peach jam from scratch is easy. To make it, simply dice up peaches and then place them in a saucepan over medium heat with lemon juice, pectin, and sugar. As the peaches release juice, smash them using a potato smasher until the jam is as chunky or as smooth as you want. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a jar.

Why do you put lemon juice in jam?

Lemon juice is used in jam to set it.

What can peach jam be used for?

Peach jam can used for so many things such as toast, english muffins, baking, etc.

How long does homemade peach jam last?

Peach jam can last up to two years in a cool, dry place (such a cupboard) if it is canned or once opened (or if it was never canned), up to three months in the refrigerator.

Do you skin peaches before making jam?

Yes, you skin peaches before making jam so that the skin doesn’t get tough.

Are plums high in pectin?

Yes! Plums have a good amount of pectin along with fruit such as pears, apples, gooseberries, and other citrus fruits.

Can you use frozen peaches to make jam?

Yes! If you choose to use frozen peaches to make jam, you do not need to worry about defrosting them. Just cook them frozen, they may just need a bit more time.

Love this peach jam recipe? Check out these other jam recipes!

Canning Guidelines

Some other interesting points about canning include –

Can food be re-canned if the lid does not seal?

If discovered within 24 hours, it can be re-canned. Remove lid, check that isn’t anything wrong with the jar, and then find the lid manufacturer’s instructions of re-canning using their lids.

If canned foods have been frozen during storage, are they safe to eat?

Freezing will be fine for the food in side the jar but it can break the jar or seal. You are better off putting the canned goods in a pantry.

Is it safe to process food in the oven?

No, please do not process in the oven. There is a higher chance of jars exploding in the oven and the temperature can vary too muc.

Is it all right to reuse jar lids and bands?

No, do not use lids a second time but bands can be reused unless they are heavily rusted or bent.

When In Doubt, Throw It Out

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. If you canned your jam and you think something is wrong, chances are it is. For your safety, don’t eat it. These problems can include –

The container is leaking, bulging, or swollen
The container looks damaged, cracked, or abnormal
The container spurts liquid or foam when opened
The food is discolored, moldy, or smells bad

Trust your gut and play it safe when it comes to canning goods at home.

Peach Jam

Yield: 1 Pint

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Peach Jam (+ Optional Canning Instructions) – Delicious homemade jam made with just 4 simple ingredients. This classic recipe can either be canned or immediately used!

Ingredients

4 cups peaches (peeled, cored, and diced)
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons pectin

Instructions

In a large saucepan over high heat, combine all ingredients. Once the peaches start to soften and give off juice, use a potato smasher to break apart the peaches to the chunkiness that you want the jam to be.
Once at a boil, remove from heat and skim off the foam.
If you aren't canning the recipe, transfer the jam to a clean mason jar and let cool to room temperature before placing in the refrigerator for storage.

Canning Instructions (Optional)

Sterilize jars - Rinse mason jars, rims, and lids with hot, soapy water. In a large saucepan, bring enough water to a boil to cover the mason jars, lids, and tongs. Boil for 15 minutes.
Remove mason jars from the saucepan and carefully ladle the hot jam, leaving about 1/4" space at the top. Remove air bubbles and then place on the rims and lids.
Bring the saucepan full of water back to a boil and transfer the cans into the pan. Let boil for 10 minutes before removing them from the water using the tongs.
If you want to check to make sure that the seal on the jar has set, let the jars cool to room temperature, remove the bans, and make sure that the lid's seal is firm.