~*Grape Jam*~

Hello Dear Friends! Today I decided to try my hand at making Grape Jam. We have lived in this home for four years now... and it seems about time we get some use from the wonderful Concord Grapes that grow in the backyard. One year I did try to make some jam, but it was a bust. The other years, we have given the grapes away for someone else to use them. We were treated in return to a few tasty jars... but with a kiddo that could eat PB&J for every meal if we let him... a larger supply could be used.

So, I started to read up on how to do it and find what was needed. My sweet MIL gave me a Ball Blue Book several years ago. It is so informative! I also found this darling video on You Tube. Plus, this simple recipe on Cooks.com.

I was set!



Tony helped along the way... and started by gathering the grapes for me while I gathered pots, pans, and other utensils needed. I quickly discovered he is a smart man! (Well, I already knew that... but he proved it again today.) He said we needed to let the grapes sit in a vat of water before taking them in the house. If we didn't... and I didn't at first... we would have spiders and other bugs in the kitchen. Thankfully I agreed with him soon and the spiders didn't take over!

It took a little time... but grapes were cleaned and plucked from the stem... and sugar was added...



We were able to fill 2-3 pint size jars with the juice of 8 cups of grapes & 6 cups of sugar. We did several batches. Then processed the jars...



Our yield was 12 3/4 jars! We still have more grapes on the vine, but are out of sugar. It seemed a good stopping point. We will give the rest of the grapes away to share the harvest.



Now, keep your fingers crossed for us. I'm always so worried about the processing. I guess though, if the jars don't seal right, we can share them now for immediate use... or have PB&J for the next several meals.

Licking the bowl was pretty tasty!

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty