winter – Berries and Pie

Blueberry Freezer Jam from Frozen Blueberries

On March 1, 2021

Blueberry freezer jam is easy to make at home! Frozen blueberries can be used so it can be made and enjoyed all throughout the year!

Blueberry freezer jam made from frozen blueberries

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, where I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases with no additional cost to you. I only provide links to products that are similar to what I use personally.

Do you ever crave homemade jam in the middle of winter? I know I do! While jam is usually made in the summer when fresh fruit is plentiful, it can be made all throughout the year by using frozen fruit. As an added bonus, frozen fruit is already picked and washed which makes the process even easier!

Blueberry freezer jam is one of my favorite types of freezer jam. Since the fruit in freezer jam is never cooked it keeps its fresh fruit taste. It’s like summer in a jar. Yum!!!

Blueberry jam is easy to make at home, requires only four ingredients, and can be made in under an hour. This post will take you through how to make blueberry freezer jam, step-by-step. Let’s get started!

Equipment for Blueberry Freezer Jam

You need some basic equipment to make blueberry freezer jam. We will go through the list now:

Jars

You need containers to hold about 6 cups of finished jam. Some people prefer plastic containers for freezer jam but I usually use half pint mason jars (one cup capacity). I prefer wide mouth jars so the jars are easier to fill. Jars similar to what I use can be found here. I use these plastic jar lids so the containers are easier to open and close.

Make sure that your jars or containers are cleaned in hot soapy water before use and allowed to air dry. I run the jars and lids through the dishwasher and they are ready to go!

Jar Funnel

This makes it SO MUCH EASIER to fill your jars. If you do not have a jar funnel you can purchase one similar to the one I use here .

Immersion Blender or Potato Masher

You need some way to crush the fruit for the jam. I prefer to use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to puree the fruit most of the way. If you don’t have a blender you can also use a potato masher or even a fork to crush the berries, especially if you like your jam a little on the chunky side.

Measuring Cups

I use a standard measuring cup for the sugar but I like a glass measuring cup for the blueberry puree because it is easier to measure and pour.

Other items needed: A large bowl, a small saucepan, a whisk, and a ladle.

Ingredients for Blueberry Freezer Jam

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries

Fresh blueberries are great in this jam. But since it can be difficult to get fresh blueberries year round, I often use frozen blueberries. Flavor-wise fresh and frozen berries taste very similar in this jam and they are relatively inexpensive. Frozen blueberries are available year round and it is a real treat to be able to make and enjoy blueberry jam in the middle of the winter!

You need less fruit than you may think for jam, only about 2 cups of crushed or pureed fruit. One pound of whole blueberries is usually enough.

Sugar

Jam takes a LOT of sugar. About 4 cups of it to be exact! Plain old granulated sugar is what you want here. Do not try to reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute because the jam will not thicken properly.

Pectin

Pectin is very important for making jam. It is what makes the jam gel and become thick. Many people have never bought or used pectin before, so we will now learn more about it.

What is pectin? Pectin is a type of fiber that is usually made from green apples citrus fruits. Some dextrose and citric acid is also added to the powdered pectin so it tastes sour if you try it. This sour taste is good though because it helps to counter all the sweetness from the sugar and bring out the taste of the fruit. When heated along with with sugar and acid the pectin will gel and give the jam the correct texture.

What types of pectin should I buy? This recipe calls for powdered pectin that comes in a small box, usually 1.75 to 2 ounces depending on the brand. Make sure that you purchase regular pectin and not the type formulated for low sugar recipes.

Where can I find pectin? Pectin usually comes in a single-use box but you can also buy it in bulk on Amazon. Pectin is sold in many grocery stores in the summer months, when many people are making jam. If you can’t find it at your grocery store try looking at Bi-Mart or a farm store.

Pectin differs a little between brands and you may have more success with some brands than others. Today I am using MCP pectin (fun fact: MCP stands for Modified Citrus Pectin) but I have also used Mrs. Wages pectin in the past with great results. I do not have a favorite brand and usually buy what is on sale.

Citric Acid (optional)

Citric acid is my secret ingredient for blueberry jam. I find that blueberries are often sweeter with less acid than other types of fruit or berries. Add several cups of sugar to them when you are making jam and they can easily become too sweet. Adding some citric acid to the blueberry jam brightens the flavor and takes this jam from good to amazing!

Citric acid is a type of acid that is found in many citrus fruits. It comes as a powder that can be found in the canning aisle of many grocery stores. Lemon juice can also be added but I prefer citric acid because it is shelf stable (so I always have it available) and does not have any flavor of its own. Citric acid or lemon juice are optional ingredients and you can leave them out if you wish.

Now that that you have everything you need, let’s go through the process of making homemade blueberry freezer jam!

How to Make Blueberry Freezer Jam

Step 1: Prepare the blueberries

Start by thawing the blueberries if they are frozen. Move them from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before you are going to make the jam so they can defrost overnight. Or you can put them in the microwave for a minute or two. Just be careful not to cook them too much or you may lose that fresh blueberry taste! Then puree or mash the fruit until the desired consistency is reached.

puree blueberries with immersion blender — Puree or mash the thawed blueberries until the desired consistency is reached. Measure out two cups of berries and proceed to the next step.

blueberry puree in measuring cup for blueberry jam — Puree or mash the thawed blueberries until the desired consistency is reached. Measure out two cups of berries and proceed to the next step.

There are several ways to crush the berries. Some people spread the fruit into a 9×13 inch pan and mash them with a potato masher. I prefer to put the blueberries in a four cup glass measuring cup and use my immersion blender to puree them most of the way, leaving a few small pieces here and there. You can leave your fruit a little chunky or puree it until it is perfectly smooth. The choice is up to you!

After the blueberries are mashed measure out exactly two cups of fruit. You are now ready to add the sugar!

Step 2: Stir the blueberries and sugar together

Measure out 4 cups of sugar into a large bowl. Add in the pureed blueberries and stir well. Let the blueberries and sugar sit in the bowl for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sugar to dissolve most of the way.

sugar and blueberry puree for making jam — Measure the sugar into a large bowl, then stir in the blueberry puree.

To test whether the sugar has dissolved enough you can take out a little jam and rub it between your fingers. By the end of the 20 minutes it should be much less gritty that it was initially (but it is okay if it is not perfectly smooth at this point). Towards the end of the 20 minutes you can start to cook the pectin.

Step 3: Cook the pectin

Empty the box of pectin into a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of cool water and stir well with a whisk to break up any clumps. Heat the pectin over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a full boil. Boil for one minute and then remove from heat.

pectin cooked with water — Cook the pectin and water together in a saucepan. Boil for one minute and then remove from heat.

Step 4: Add the pectin to the fruit

Add the hot pectin to the fruit and sugar. Whisk briskly for 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly incorporated. Instead of being watery the fruit should now have a thicker, more syrupy consistency. Your jam is almost done!

pouring pectin into blueberry puree — Add the pectin into the fruit. Stir briskly for 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 5: Add in citric acid to taste

Adding citric acid or lemon juice is optional depending on the sweetness of the berries you are using and your preferences. Add the citric acid, about a 1/4 teaspoon at a time, and stir well. Lemon juice can be added about a tablespoon at a time. Taste the jam and add more if desired. I ended up using 1/2 teaspoon citric acid for this batch of jam. As soon as you are happy with your jam it is time to fill the jars!

adding citric acid to blueberry jam — Stir in citric acid to taste. A little goes a long way, so add it a little at a time and taste as you go.

Step 6: Fill the jars

Use a ladle to fill the jars with the jam. A jar funnel is very handy for this so you do not drip sticky jam on the edges of the jars.

filling jars with blueberry freezer jam — Fill the jars with jam. A jar funnel makes this an easier task.

Leave about half an inch of head space between the top of the jam and the top of the jar. I use these plastic jar lids so the lids are easier to open and close. Once all of the jars are filled, transfer them to the refrigerator to cool and fully set.

jars of blueberry freezer jam — After the jars are filled put on the lids and transfer them to the refrigerator for one day to fully set.

Freezer Jam Storage

After 24 hours the jam can be transferred to the freezer for long term storage. Thaw it in the refrigerator for a day before use. Once opened, use within 3 weeks or so. Jam keeps for up to 1 year in the freezer.

Serve

This blueberry freezer jam is good on so many different things! Try it on pancakes or waffles, toast or biscuits. It also tastes amazing on homemade yogurt!

Hope you get to try this freezer jam soon! Let me know how it went in the comments below. Happy Cooking!

Blueberry Freezer Jam

Recipe by: Mandy

Blueberry freezer jam is easy to make at home! Frozen blueberries can be used so it can be made and enjoyed all throughout the year!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 10

Total Time 50

Servings 6 cups

Ingredients

1 pound fresh or frozen blueberries (You will need 2 cups pureed berries)
4 cups sugar
1 box regular fruit pectin (1.75 or 2 oz box, depending on the brand)
1 cup cool water
citric acid or lemon juice, to taste (optional)

Instructions

Start by thawing the blueberries if they are frozen. Then puree or mash the fruit until the desired consistency is reached. You will need 2 cups of crushed or pureed berries.
Stir the crushed blueberries and sugar together in a large bowl. Let sit for 20 minutes for the sugar to dissolve most of the way.
Towards the end of the 20 minute resting period you can start to cook the pectin. Empty the box of pectin into a small saucepan. Add in the water and stir well with a whisk to break up any clumps. Heat over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a full boil. Boil for one minute then remove from heat.
Stir the hot pectin mixture into the blueberries. Whisk briskly for 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly incorporated.
Add citric acid, about ¼ teaspoon at a time, until desired taste is achieved. If using lemon juice, add it about a tablespoon at a time. Adding citric acid or lemon juice is optional depending on the sweetness of the berries you are using and your preferences.
Ladle the jam into small, clean jars or containers. Leave about half an inch of headspace between the top of the jam and the top rim of the jar. Once all the jars are filled, put the lids on the jars and transfer them to the refrigerator to cool and fully set.
After 24 hours the jam can be transferred to the freezer for long term storage. Thaw in the refrigerator for a day before use. Once opened use jam within three weeks or so. Jam keeps for up to 1 year in the freezer.

Garden Update – January 2021

By Mandy

On January 20, 2021

In Gardening

The new year is here! It has been a challenge to get outside this month in between rain storms but luckily we have had some nice days too. Most of my time has been spent on planning, pruning, and other maintenance tasks. Here is what is going on in the garden this month:

Peas

My peas are still doing well! I planted them last fall and they continue to grow and look very healthy. The birds have been pecking at them but luckily the damage is minor since the plants are well established. If the peas were still small seedlings the damage would be much more severe. I am looking forward to fresh peas in the next few months!

Related Post: How to Overwinter Peas

Overwintering peas in January — My peas are healthy and continue to grow!

Bird damage on pea leaves — The birds have been pecking the edges of some of the leaves. Luckily the plants are large enough to withstand this damage.

Garlic

My garlic is still doing well after planting it last fall. Since we have been having mild weather this month, I was able to remove the mulch covering the garlic. The leaves greened up nicely and they are now 5-6 inches tall.

Related Post: How to Plant Garlic in the Fall

Overwintering garlic — My garlic is healthy and growing well!

Fruit Trees

We have two apple trees, a plum tree, and two cherry trees. I have been pruning them over the last month, a little at a time between rain storms 🙂 My trees are 11 years old now and always put on a large amount of growth during the season. This makes pruning a big job. But this is what it takes to keep the trees open, healthy, and productive. I am looking forward to our fruit harvests this summer!

Related Post: How to easily clean rusty pruners

Fruit trees before pruning — My fruit trees this winter before pruning. My trees usually put on a lot of growth during the season so pruning is a big job!

Strawberries

I cleaned up my strawberry patch earlier this month. It was very crowded from last year’s vigorous summer growth. I removed dead plants, dead leaves, and runners. I also adjusted the spacing on plants that were too close together. I am looking forward to a large harvest of sweet strawberries this spring!

Related Post: How to Clean Up Strawberry Beds

Strawberry plants with dead leaves over the winter — Before pruning my strawberries were a tangled mess.

Cleaned up strawberry beds — Afterwards they were spaced appropriately with all dead leaves and runner removed. Now the plants will be much healthier and productive!

Flowers

Last weekend I planted some primroses out front. Primroses are very cold hardy which makes them an excellent choice for this time of the year. I love the cheery colors!

Primroses add cheery color in the winter. — Cheery primroses add some color to our front porch.

My daffodil bulbs are also starting to come up in my flower beds. This is a sign that spring is on it’s way!

Daffodils beginning to emerge. — Our daffodils are starting to emerge. Spring will be here soon!

Final Thoughts

Well, that’s it for January! It is hard to believe that spring will be here in only two short months 🙂 What have you been up to in your garden this month? Let me know in the comments below!

As always, Happy Gardening!

January Garden Checklist

By Mandy

On January 10, 2021

In Gardening

The weather is cold but there is still plenty to do in the garden! Here are some tips and ideas for your garden this month.

The new year is here! Here in Oregon the weather is often very cold and wet in January which makes it difficult to get outside. Luckily there is still plenty to do indoors on these rainy days!

January is a great time to focus on planning, indoor projects, and maintenance tasks so you will be well prepared for the season ahead. The list below is based on my garden in zone 8, and you may need to adjust timing based on your specific climate and geographic location. Here are this month’s chores:

1. Build raised beds for next season

If you are wanting some new raised beds in your garden next year, now is the time to start building them! This way they will be finished and ready to plant in the spring.

2. Plan your vegetable garden for next year

Now is the time to start planning what you want to include in your garden next year! Plan to include vegetables that have done well in the past as well as some new varieties that you will like to try. Also include flowers such as marigolds to help attract bees and other beneficial insects to improve pollination.

I usually plan my garden on a piece of graph paper. I always work in pencil because my plans are sure to change! After you are done place it in a plastic page protector. This will help to keep it clean and dry when you take it outside to plant your garden in the spring.

3. Look through seed catalogs and order seeds

Nothing beats the winter doldrums better than getting a seed catalog in your mailbox! Many seed companies will send you a free catalog if you request one on their website.

My absolute favorite seed catalog is from Territorial Seed because they are located in Oregon where I live. They carry varieties that do well in my specific climate and I have had great success with seeds I have purchased from them. Other popular seed companies are Park Seed, Burpee Seed, Botanical Interests, and Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

Enjoy going through the catalog and dreaming about what seed varieties you want to try. Be sure to order early for the best selection.

Look through seed catalogs and make a list

4. Start a garden journal

Having a garden journal can help you stay organized throughout the season. Keep your garden plan, plant tags, and empty seed packets so you know what you planted this year. Also keep a list of planting dates, harvest logs, and other notes that you can refer back to. Next year you can look back at what went well and what you learned.

Start a garden journal by finding a notebook that you like. I like to use a 3-ring binder so I can easily add and remove pages. Record whatever information you find the most useful. Use dividers to help keep everything organized.

Use a 3 ring notebook as a garden journal

5. Clean and sharpen gardening tools

Now is a great time to clean and sharpen your garden tools so they are ready for the season ahead. Proper care and maintenance will help your tools last longer and function better.

Clean your tools in soapy water and soak in vinegar to remove rust. Also sharpen your pruners, loppers, and shears. Make sure to store your tools in a clean, dry place.

Related Post: How to easily clean rusty pruners

6. Start pruning fruit trees while dormant

Regular yearly pruning will help develop a strong structure so your trees can handle the load of heavy fruit. It will also help to keep the trees healthy and improve fruit quality.

The best time to prune fruit trees is in the winter months when they are dormant. Winter pruning is easier on the tree and also easier for you because you can better see the framework of the tree without the all the leaves in the way. Pruning fruit trees can be a big job, depending on how many fruit trees you have. Start early and try to finish before the buds begin to break in the spring.

7. Harvest vegetables from your winter garden

If you have any vegetables in your winter garden continue to harvest them throughout the season as needed. Carrots, onions, beets, turnips, and other root crops can be stored in the ground and harvested throughout the winter as long as the ground temperature stays above 20-25 degrees or so. The tops will die back but the roots will be crunchy and sweet. Make sure to dig all your root crops before spring because the quality will start to decline when growth begins again.

Final Thoughts

Hope you find some time to get in the garden this month! Print the checklist below to help keep you on track. There are also some blank areas so you can add your own items to the list. Happy gardening!

Free Printables:

January Garden Checklist (color version)

January Garden Checklist

How to Easily Clean Rusty Pruners

By Mandy

On January 5, 2021

In Gardening

Learn how to easily clean rusty pruners to help keep them looking and working like new.

How to easily clean rusty pruners using common household products

Have you ever accidently left your pruners outside? They get wet from the rain or sprinklers and then you have unsightly rust covering one of your most used garden tools.

Rusty tools not only look bad but most importantly the rust can affect their function because they become stiff and will not open and close smoothly. I have even had some pruners that were rusted completely closed! Luckily, rusty pruners are very easy to clean with just a few common household products and they will be good as new in a day or so. Read on to learn how to get your pruners back into tip-top shape!

As a side note, I recommend NOT buying pruners with a green handle. I cannot tell you how many times I have set these down and not been able to find them because they were so camouflaged among my plants. This is probably why they got left out and rusty in the first place 🙂

Materials Needed to Clean Rusty Pruners

Luckily, you only need a few common household items to remove rust from your pruners. You will need:

A glass jar, tall plastic tub, or small bucket big enough for your pruners to fit inside
Vinegar, 3-4 cups or enough to cover the rusty parts of your pruners
A scouring pad, steel wool, or a wire brush
WD-40 or other lubricant
A pliers or a wrench to take your pruners apart so they are easier to clean (optional)

How to Clean Rusty Pruners

Step 1: Soak the Pruners in Vinegar Overnight

Place your rusty pruners in a glass jar or plastic tub. Any container will work as long as it is deep enough for the rusty parts to be submerged.

Pour in enough vinegar to cover the rusty parts of the pruners. This may be 3-4 cups depending on the size of your container. Let this sit overnight.

Step 2: Take the Pruners Apart (optional)

After the pruners have sat in the vinegar overnight the vinegar will become cloudy and you will see some of the rust has already started to come off.

If you have the type of pruners that can come apart, I highly recommend doing this so they are easier to clean in the next step. Take pliers or a small wrench to remove the bolt. Put it in a safe place so you do not lose it!

Step 3: Clean the Pruners with a Scouring Pad

Use a scouring pad to clean the remaining rust off of the pruners. The rust should have softened considerably overnight and be easy to remove. I like to use steel wool but a wire brush is also very helpful to get in the small areas. Give the pruners a final rinse and then dry thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel (you don’t want them to get rusty again!). If you took your pruners apart earlier, now is the time to reassemble them.

Step 4: Apply Lubricant

Apply some WD-40 or other lubricant so the pruners open and close easily. This will also help to protect them from rust in the future. When you are finished store your pruners in a dry place to help them stay in tip-top shape!

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Now you know the best way to clean your pruners so they are ready for the season. As always, happy gardening!

One Hour Clam Chowder

By Mandy

On January 1, 2021

In Cooking

This thick & hearty New-England style clam chowder is loaded with potatoes, onions, and tender clams. It is easy to make at home and ready in less than an hour!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, where I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

One thing I miss about pre-pandemic life is going to the coast to enjoy a big bowl of clam chowder at our favorite restaurant. While many restaurants are closed right now, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy a satisfying bowl of chowder at home, no trip to the beach required!

If you have never tried to make your own clam chowder before you are in for a treat! This New-England style clam chowder is absolutely loaded with potatoes and clams. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is ready in under an hour! Serve it with oyster crackers or crispy bacon sprinkled on top for a satisfying salty crunch. Yum!

This will take you through how to make this delicious clam chowder step-by-step. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for One Hour Clam Chowder

Clam chowder only requires 7 ingredients: onion, celery, potatoes, clams (with juice), milk, flour, half-and-half, and butter. We will go through the ingredients now:

Onions and Celery – These add flavor to the soup. Be sure to use a yellow or white onion (not a red onion) so it does not change the color of the broth.

Potatoes – My favorite potatoes to use in this soup are red potatoes or yukon gold potatoes. Since they have thin skin, I usually do not peel them.

If you don’t have yukon gold or red potatoes, russets work great too! They are a little more tender than the yukon golds or red potatoes and break down a little more in the soup. You may want to peel them though because they have a slightly thicker skin.

Clams – This recipe calls for one large can of chopped clams (51 oz). Grocery stores may not have this size available but you can find them at Costco, Sam’s Club, restaurant supply stores such as Smart Foodservice, or Amazon. What I like about using a large can of clams is that it is less expensive and much easier than buying the smaller cans. It also has plenty of clam juice so you do not need to buy the clam juice separately.

My absolute favorite clams are from Costco. There are about 3 cups of clam juice and 4-5 cups of loosely packed chopped clams in the can. If you cannot find a large can of clams, you may use 4-6 of the smaller 6.5-oz cans, depending on how many clams you would like in your soup.

Half-and-Half – Half-and-half makes the soup rich and satisfying. It also gives it its creamy white color. You can control the richness of the soup by substituting any combination of milk or heavy cream if you prefer 🙂

Flour – Flour helps to thicken the clam chowder. This is added at the very end.

Also needed: butter, water, salt, and pepper.

How to Make One Hour Clam Chowder

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop celery, onions, and potatoes for one hour clam chowder

Start by chopping the vegetables for the soup. You want to chop the celery and onions into fairly small pieces. Cut the potatoes into half inch cubes so they will cook more quickly.

drain the clams, reserving the clam juice

Drain the clams, reserving the juice. I like to do this by putting a strainer over a large bowl or measuring cup. I usually get about 3 cups of clam juice from my can of clams. If you have less than this, add a little water until you have about 3 cups.

Look through the clams and remove any strings or pieces that don’t look right. Set this aside as you start your soup.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Celery

Melt the butter in a large pot. Add in the onion and celery and cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes or until they soften up a bit, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add in the Potatoes and Clam Juice

After the onion and celery are tender, add in the cubed potatoes and reserved clam juice. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add in the Clams and Milk

When the potatoes are tender stir in the clams and half-and-half. The clams are added at the very end so they stay nice and tender. Heat through just until soup starts to boil.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

Stir the flour and water together in a small bowl or measuring cup to make a slurry. Whisk vigorously to get out any lumps.

Make a slurry of flour and water to thicken the clam chowder

Drizzle the flour mixture into the gently boiling soup, stirring constantly, until the soup has thickened. You may not need too add all of the flour if you like your chowder on the thinner side. Boil gently for one minute to fully cook the flour and then remove from heat.

Add the slurry to thicken the clam chowder

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste. The clam chowder is now ready to serve!

Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with butter, oyster crackers, crispy bacon, or whatever you like. Serve with crusty bread if desired. Yum!

Hope you get to try this easy clam chowder soon. Happy Cooking!

One Hour Clam Chowder

Recipe by: Mandy

This thick & hearty New-England style clam chowder is loaded with potatoes, onions, and tender clams. It is easy to make at home and ready in less than an hour!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings 8