Bear Jam is an easy to make and delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is made with bear meat, honey, and a few other simple ingredients. It is a sweet and savory jam that is sure to please any crowd. The best part about this recipe is that it can be made in a short amount of time and it is great for gatherings or just for a quick snack. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for something to snack on, this bear jam recipe is a great option.
What Is Bear Jam?
Bear Jam is a sweet and savory jam made from bear meat, honey, and a few other simple ingredients. The bear meat is cooked slowly in a pan until it is tender and juicy. Then, it is combined with honey, spices, and other ingredients to create a delicious jam. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, crackers, or muffins. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or any other dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Bear Jam Recipe?
This bear jam recipe is easy to make and it only requires a few simple ingredients. It’s a great way to use up any leftover bear meat that you might have on hand. The jam is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of different dishes. You can spread it on toast or crackers, use it as a topping for ice cream or cheesecake, or even add it to a pot of chili or stew. The sweet and savory flavor of the bear jam will be sure to please any crowd.
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The Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon melted European butter: The butter is used in small quantities to add richness and a smooth texture to the jam. It helps prevent foaming while cooking and adds a subtle buttery flavor.
- 16 cups handpicked fresh mixed berries: Berries are the star ingredient of the jam, providing flavor, color, and natural pectin for thickening the jam. Mixed berries create a complex flavor profile, combining different fruits for a well-rounded taste.
- 8 cups organic brown sugar or pure cane white granulated sugar: Sugar acts as a preservative, helps set the jam by interacting with the fruit pectin, and enhances sweetness. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor compared to white sugar.
- 16 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice: Lemon juice serves multiple purposes—it adds acidity necessary for fruit pectin to set properly, helps balance the sweetness, and brightens the flavor of the berries, providing a tangy contrast.
Directions
Step 1 – Prepare the Berries:
- Rinse the mixed berries thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove stems or leaves and gently pat dry using paper towels or a clean cloth.
Step 2 – Sterilize the Jars:
- Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, rinse well, and allow them to air dry.
- Sterilize jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep them in hot water until use.
Step 3 – Prepare the Cooking Area:
- Set up a large, heavy-bottomed pot or preserving pan for cooking the jam.
Step 4 – Combine Ingredients:
- In the large pot or preserving pan, mix 16 cups of mixed berries, 8 cups of sugar, 16 tablespoons of freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice, and melted European butter.
Step 5 – Begin Cooking:
- Place the pot over medium heat and gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 6 – Skim Foam (Optional):
- During cooking, foam might form on the surface. Remove it using a spoon or fine mesh skimmer.
Step 7 – Check for Setting Point:
- Test the jam’s setting point using a candy thermometer or the wrinkle test. It should reach around 220°F (105°C) or wrinkle on a chilled plate when pushed with a finger.
Step 8 – Fill Jars:
- Once the jam reaches the desired setting point, turn off the heat.
- Using a ladle and funnel, carefully fill sterilized jars with hot jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
Step 9 – Seal the Jars:
- Wipe jar rims with a damp cloth for a proper seal.
- Place lids on jars and tighten rings until finger tight.
Step 10 – Process the Jars (Optional):
- For longer storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Step 11 – Cool and Store:
- Let jars cool at room temperature undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
- Check lids for proper seal by pressing the center; they should not pop back.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.
Notes
– Make sure to cook the bear meat slowly over medium-low heat. This will ensure that it is tender and juicy.
– You can use any type of fruits you like in the jam. Apples, pears, and cranberries are all great options.
– If you want a thicker jam, you can add more Jell-O powder.
– Make sure to store the jam in the refrigerator and use within two weeks.
– If you don’t have Jell-O powder on hand, you can substitute with unflavored gelatin.
– If you don’t have bear meat, you can substitute with venison or elk.
Storage Tips
Bear jam should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks. To freeze the jam, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
This bear jam recipe is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains a small amount of fat and sugar. One serving of bear jam (1/4 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 100
– Protein: 6g
– Fat: 2g
– Sugar: 4g
– Vitamins: A, C, E
– Minerals: Iron, Potassium, Calcium
Serving Suggestions
– Spread the jam on toast or crackers for a delicious snack.
– Use the jam as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or other desserts.
– Add the jam to a pot of chili or stew for a unique flavor.
– Make a sandwich with the jam and your favorite sandwich fillings.
– Spread the jam on pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast.
– Add the jam to a smoothie for a sweet and savory flavor.
– Use the jam as a dip for crackers or chips.
Equipment
- Jars
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon melted European butter
- 16 cups handpicked fresh mixed berries
- 8 cups organic brown sugar or pure cane white granulated sugar
- 16 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
Instructions
STEP 1 – Prepare the Berries:
- Wash the mixed berries thoroughly under cold water.
- Remove any stems or leaves and pat them dry gently using paper towels or a clean cloth.
STEP 2 – Sterilize the Jars:
- Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, rinse well, and let them air dry.
- Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep them in the hot water until ready to use.
STEP 3 – Prepare the Cooking Area:
- Set up a large, heavy-bottomed pot or preserving pan for cooking the jam.
STEP 4 – Combine Ingredients:
- In the large pot or preserving pan, combine the 16 cups of mixed berries with the 8 cups of sugar.
- Pour in the 16 tablespoons of freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice.
- Add the melted European butter to the mixture.
STEP 5 – Begin Cooking:
- Place the pot over medium heat, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
STEP 6 – Skim Foam (Optional):
- As the jam cooks, you may notice foam forming on the surface. Skim it off with a spoon or a fine mesh skimmer.
STEP 7 – Check for Setting Point:
- To test for the jam’s setting point, use a candy thermometer or the wrinkle test. The temperature should reach around 220°F (105°C) or when a small amount of jam dropped onto a chilled plate wrinkles when pushed with a finger.
STEP 8 – Fill Jars:
- Once the jam reaches the desired setting point, turn off the heat.
- Using a ladle and a funnel, carefully fill the sterilized jars with the hot jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
STEP 9 – Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings until they are just finger tight.
STEP 10 – Process the Jars (Optional):
- If you want to store the jam for a longer period, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are completely submerged.
STEP 11 – Cool and Store:
- Allow the jars to cool at room temperature, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
- Check the lids for a proper seal by pressing the center; they should not pop back.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.
Notes
Nutrition
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Bear Jam Recipe?
If you don’t have bear meat on hand, there are several other substitutes you can use. Venison, elk, or even beef can be used in place of the bear meat. You can also use any type of fruit you like in place of the apples, pears, or cranberries. If you don’t have Jell-O powder, you can use unflavored gelatin as a substitute.
Conclusion
Bear jam is a sweet and savory jam that is easy to make and great for any occasion. It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in a short amount of time. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for something to snack on, this bear jam recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!