A few years ago I came across an article in a magazine while standing in the check-out line at the grocery store for layered jam. The idea was to layer two separate jams in the same jar before processing in the water bath. This year I finally decided to give it a try using raspberry and blackberry seedless spread.
The first step in making a layered jam is to prepare each jam.
Raspberry Seedless Spread
4 Cups Strained Raspberry Juice
2 Cups Sugar
3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
5 1/2 Tbsp. Clear Jel mixed with an equal amount of Water
- Combine fruit juice, sugar and lemon juice in stock pot. Bring to near boil. Turn heat to medium-high and add Clear Jel slurry. Bring to boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. If making a layered spread, cover and set aside. If canning individually, ladle spread into hot jars, adjust lids, and process in water bath canner for 10 minutes.
- NOTE: If not canning this spread as a “layered spread” the amount of Clear Jel and water to 3 Tbsp.
Blackberry Seedless Spread
5 1/2 Cups Strained Blackberry Juice
3 Cups Sugar
6 1/2 Tbsp Clear Jel mixed with an equal amount of Water
- Combine fruit juice and sugar in stock pot. Bring to near boil. Turn heat to medium-high and add Clear Jel slurry. Bring to boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. If making a layered spread, cover and set aside. If canning individually, ladle spread into hot jars, adjust lids, and process in water bath canner for 10 minutes.
- NOTE: If not canning this spread as a “layered spread” the amount of Clear Jel and water to 5 Tbsp.
Blackberry/Raspberry Layered Seedless Spread
- Fill hot jars half full with either blackberry or raspberry seedless spread. Let spread sit in jars for 5 minutes.
- Ladle second spread carefully into half-full jars. Be sure to ladle hot spread into jars by allowing it to slide down the sides of the jar, this will ensure that the layered effect is visible.
- Wipe rims, top with hot lids and bands, and process in water bath canner for 10 minutes.
This particular project did not turn out exactly as I had envisioned because my raspberry spread was darker than anticipated and the color differentiation between the two spreads was hardly noticeable. Next time I try making a layered spread, I will use two spreads/jams that have a more noticeable contrast.
Although this particular project did not turn out exactly as I wanted, I am glad I tried it. I ended up with some raspberry spread canned separately, blackberry spread canned separately, and then several jars where I layered the two. Experience is the best teacher and even though the jars of layered spread might not be as impressive as I had hoped, I now know how to remedy this in the future, and for this I am — Simply Grateful.
