Bread Machine Jam with stovetop option
(Originally published on 14 Feb 2016 at https://CornFreeHippie.com)
Condiments are one of the first foods Corn Alergics have to either give up or learn to make from safe ingredients. Let's examine why commercial jams and jellies are a no-go for our community using the ingredients for Smuckers Strawberry Jelly as an example:
"STRAWBERRY JUICE, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CORN SYRUP, FRUIT PECTIN, CITRIC ACID." (Source: https://www.smuckers.com/products/fruit-spreads/jelly/strawberry-jelly-11)
1. HFCS: corn, enough said
2. Corn syrup: ditto
3. Fruit Pectin: while commercial pectin may actually come from a fruit, it is often combined with destrose & citric acid for binding, both of which are often corn-derived. (Source: http://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/pickyourown_1?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pickyourown.org%2Fpectin.htm&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com#3065)
4. Citric Acid: while it sounds like it comes from citrus fruit, it is commercial more affordable to use a corn-derived source.
So there you have it, 4 out of 5 ingredients are or may be derived from corn. Of course not all jams and jellies have the same recipe, but it is very difficult to find a jam/jelly in the supermarket that is free of pectin. I have found, through my CSA, an artisan producer of jam and marmelade, but the products are pricey. And so with this recipe, I offer you a whole food jam option that takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 1 hr 5 mins passive cooking time and is affordable.
Ingredients
12 - 16 oz fruit (berries are great)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice*
2 Tbsp. chia seed
1 - 2 Tbsp. arrowroot starch (optional)*
Method
Place all ingredients in bread machine pan.
Select "Basic" setting & allow to mix for 5-6 minutes.
Press "Stop".
Select "Bake". When the cycle is complete, place jam in a jar allowing it to cool.
*Notes: for a more tart jam, use 1 ½ - 2 Tbsp. lemon juice. For a sweeter jam, add honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar (about ¼ - ½ cup).
If you desire a thicker jam, add optional arrowroot starch in the last 15 minutes of baking.
Serving Ideas
A berry jam is a great topping for ice cream or fudge as pictured here.
This jam is a perfect topping for pancakes.
If you do not have a bread machine, but want safe-for-you jam, this recipe also works on the stovetop.
Stovetop directions:
Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
Bring to boil.
Simmer until desired consistency is reached.
Enjoy when cooler.