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Small Batch Microwave Jam

by Jane Lake

Each of these small batch microwave jam combinations makes just two cups of jam. That's enough to make two one cup jars - one to keep for yourself, and one homemade gift in a jar!

Do not double these recipes - for larger batch jam cooking in the microwave, consult a reputable microwave cookbook, or the cookbook that came with your microwave, for appropriate cooking times.

Follow the basic directions for Small Batch Microwave Jam using your choice of the fruit and flavor combinations listed below.

Notes
When preparing ingredients for these recipes, make sure that you have a generously packed measure of the base fruit. I made one batch starting with a scant three cups of raspberries - when it boiled down, it didn't yield quite enough to make two full one-cup jars of jam, which was disappointing.

Small Batch Jams

Ingredients:
Diced or crushed fruit and flavor
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. butter or margarine
Prepare the fruit and place in an 8 cup glass measure with a spout (or a 2½ to 3 quart casserole dish). Stir in sugar and let stand until juices form - about thirty minutes. Microwave on High for 10-14 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
Spoon out 1 tbsp. of jam, refrigerate for 15 minutes and test consistency. If you like thicker jam, re-heat to boiling then microwave for 2 more minutes. Makes 2 cups.

Storage:
These jams will keep for several months in the fridge; freeze for longer storage. Use any small, clean jam jars with tight-fitting lids.

Canning:
For pantry storage, use 2 one-cup canning jars. Scald jar lids and bands for 5 minutes, and keep lids in scalding water until ready to use. Steralize the jars by boiling for 15 minutes; fill immediately with hot jam, leaving ¼ inch of head space.

Pour jam into hot jars, skim off foam and add more jam, if needed, to maintain ¼ inch headspace.

Wipe rims clean with damp cloth. Place lids on jars and screw down tightly. Let cool. Press lids to test seal - if they stay down the jars are sealed. (If you feel that a jar hasn't sealed properly, stay on the safe side and store in the fridge or freezer.)

Label jars, decorate lids as desired, and store.

Fruit and Flavor Combinations:

Apricot:
Remove pits from 1lb of apricots and chop to make 2 cups. Add 1 tbsps lemon juice.

Apricot-Pineapple:
Remove pits from 3/4lb apricots and chop to make 1-1/2 cups. Combine with 1/2 cup crushed pineapple and 1 tbsp. lemon juice.

Berry:
Crush 3 cups or raspberry of blackberries or a combination of both, to make 2 cups, and add 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Strawberry:
Crush 3-1/2cups of strawberries to make 2 cups. Add 1-1/2tbsps lemon juice.

Peach or Nectarine:
Remove pits from fruit, peel and chop to make 2 cups. Add 1 tbsp. lemon juice.