This jam and jelly maker allows the busy cook, like you and me, the ability to multitask while it consistently stirs the jam with a few presses of a button. I also loved the nonstick interior which made it very easy to clean. It was honestly one of the nicest appliances I have used in the kitchen and required only a leisurely effort on my part to make it all happen.
While the jam and jelly was cooking I had the time to clean up the kitchen, I loved that! When done, it was just a matter of filling the jars. From there you can go on to preserving them if that is what you want to do. These jams and jellies will not last long in my house so into the refrigerator they went.
A nice little cookbook was provided and you can choose either jam or jelly on the keypad which sets the timer. Recipes are also written for regular and reduced sugar choices.
If you are a jam maker this is a nice way to free up your hands with FreshTECH’s SmartStir technology that constantly and consistently stirs the jam. This eliminates any guesswork as to whether your jam is finished. This also means you do not have to turn on the stove, a plus during the summer months.
For the strawberry jam I chopped up my strawberries and mashed them slightly with a potato masher.
I added pectin to the bottom of the jam maker with my mashed strawberries on top. A 1/2 teaspoon of butter is added to reduce foaming. Sugar is added before the lid is placed on and twenty minutes later the jam is ready for the jars. It was that easy! No standing at the stove and stirring and sweating over a hot pan was necessary.
My boys have been smothering this over their breakfast toast. I really don’t mind it since it’s so easy to make another batch.
Served on a rice cracker with some cheese it is an irresistible little bite. You can’t eat just one or four…very addictive flavor if you ask me.
Strawberry Jam & Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
Strawberry Jam
- 2-2/3 cups crushed strawberries
- 3 Tablespoons Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- 3-1/3 cups granulated sugar (2 cups for reduced sugar recipe but more strawberries will be needed)
For the Pepper Jelly:
- 2-1/3 cups finely chopped, seeded green bell pepper
- 1/3 cup finely chopped seeded and deveined jalapeno
- 2/3 cup cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar (a reduced sugar amount)
Directions
- For the strawberry jam: Mash strawberries. Add pectin to machine, Add strawberries. Add butter. Press jam button and press enter. Appliance will begin stirring and in 4 minutes it will beep indicating it is time to add the sugar and place lid on the pot. At this point you'll have about 15 minutes before it's done and ready to put in the jars. Skim any foam if necessary (I didn't have any) and place in jars and preserve how you would like.
- For the pepper jelly: Add pectin to machine. Add pepper, jalapeno, vinegar and butter. Press jelly button (which defaults to 25 minutes) and press the (-) minus button until time reads 21 minutes. Press enter. In 4 minutes machine will beep indicating it's time to add the sugar and cover with the lid. When jelly is done place in jars and preserve to your liking.
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
Pepper Jelly is one of my favorites- I need to try this! So intriguing:) have a fabulous weekend!
Cathy says
Thanks Lisa!
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat says
What a cool invention! I love making my own jams, but haven’t made pepper jelly yet though I love it. I’ll have to try your recipe!
Cathy says
Pepper jam is the best and this recipe is specific for the FreshTECH it might be different making it any other way.
Dan from Platter Talk says
This looks like a wonderful recipt – would love to try it. Thanks for posting!
Cathy says
You’re welcome! It’s a great little machine.
Sharon Axline says
I’m looking at both of those and I’m thinking strawberry pepper jelly!
Cathy says
Oh that sounds delicious Sharon. I’m also craving strawberry-rosemary.
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
Very cool little machine! And I must say, you did some pretty good things with it =)
Cathy says
It really is a great little appliance, my new fave.
Tieghan says
What a cool machine, but what and even better Jam! It sounds incredible!!
Cathy says
Thanks Tieghan!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
now how neat is that! I love strawberry jelly! I need one of those FreshTECHs!
Cathy says
I think you do as well, they are really cool.
Cathy says
Those look wonderful! My bread maker has a jam/jelly option that I have never tried. May just have to whip up some strawberry jam this weekend!
Cathy says
That’s interesting, I’ve never seen that on a bread machine. Is that standard?
pam says
What a great product!
Cathy says
Agreed!
Samantha says
!! I would love a freshtech! I always focus intensely when making jam because I’m terrified of messing up.
Cathy says
Yep, no focusing required with this:).
Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen says
what a great kitchen appliance!!! Making jam is on my list of things I want to do this summer. I Love Pepper Jelly!
ashley - baker by nature says
I’ve never even heard of this machine, but now, I need! And this jam sounds incredible!!!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I have never made jelly before but I am in LOVE with pepper jelly. A little bit on top of wheat thins with cream cheese. Oh my so good. I might have to get me one of these đŸ™‚
Jeremy Norton says
These looks really delicious. We love jam and jelly all the time.
sharron orcutt says
arrrrrgh! your post made me do it and that’s what i’m telling the hubby when the jelly maker shows up lol
Shirley Dehmer says
Do I have to put the bell peppers in the pepper jelly? I want some Jalapeno jelly that is clear green and can be mixed with Philly cream cheese to be used as a sweet dip or spread with a bite. I purchase Smucker’s Hot pepper Jelly for that, but would love to make my own. I guess I should make up my own recipe, right?-
Cathy says
This particular recipe requires the peppers since it is using the machine.
Pamela says
Can you make freezer jam with the FreshTech? I’m looking at them on amazon but would like to make freezer jam instead of hot processing. Thanks.