I think little condiments set out on the breakfast table are OH.SO.ADORABLE. It is always a surprise to see what will accompany Saturday morning pancakes, waffles or crepes. Here are two things that are staples in our home. It takes a little planning ahead, but it is a healthy alternative to the cost of spendy natural jams and syrups.
Homemade Syrup...that would make Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth SWOON!
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Instant Clear Jel
1 cup fresh cold water
2 Tbsp. Organic Blue Agave Sweetener {Trader Joes}
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract...you really want the real stuff. Trust me. :}
Directions:
Place sugars and Clear Jel into medium saucepan.
Stir to mix ingredients.
Add 1 cup fresh cold water
Add agave sweetener.
Stir until sugars dissolve.
Add vanilla.
Bring to boil.
Let boil for 1 minute. Make sure your saucepan is big enough. Burnt sugar is nasty clean off your stove top!
Remove from heat and add vanilla.
Strain to remove any lumps of Clear Jel.
No HFCS and no preservatives.
Serve and Savor!
Clear Jel Freezer Jam
Put six mini{8oz.}Mason Jars through the dishwasher. After the drying cycle, set jars right side up on a clean tea towel.
Ingredients:
6 cups berries {Costco has the large bags of frozen berries that work GREAT}
1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar
6 Tbsp. Instant Clear Jel {available through King Arthur or at the Decorette Shop}
Directions:
Place berries in large bowl and mash away...I LOVE THIS!! {I use my BIG INDUSTRIAL SIZE IKEA POTATO MASHER}
Mix sugar and Clear Jel together.
Add sugar mix to berries...mash until sugar is dissolved.
Let sit for about 15 minutes
Take a one cup measure and scoop into mini jars, seal and freeze.
There will be just a tiny bit left to enjoy on a warm piece of toast or to put in a homemade berry milkshake!
The best thing about this jam is the fact that there is no YUCKY gelatin in it. My friend's hubby was using gelatin in bow-making this week. Perfect for alot of things...but I personally can not think about it in food. I know. I have issues... :}
Enjoy!
For clear jel info: food safety...and while you are at it you may want to look into how gelatin is made. :}
ENJOY
Thanks you Lisa for posting this!!!! How long does the syrup last can you make it now and store it for gifts later?
ReplyDeleteMeg-we use the syrup up quickly, but I would say it would be okay stored in the fridge in a glass container for about a month. You can triple the recipe eaily to make a lot at one time. You can make fruit syrups, also. I use six cups of fruit for every batch and add almond extract instead of vanilla. It makes a great gift.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa!
ReplyDeleteOh my am I lovin' all of these posts! MMMmmmm. I just copy/pasted the syrup recipe into my yahoo account. I can't wait to make it. I am always looking for healthier options for my family. We use agave nectar, too! It stinks when the grocery bill is a lot more expensive from organic, etc, but I definitely think all of those small, better choices along the way are worth it. Since my mom passed from cancer I am a lot more appreciative of good health-it's a blessing not to be taken for granite. Neither is food! Not everyone has it : (.
Thanks for always poppin' in to say hi. I so love hearing from you!! Missed you, too : )
Lots of love and Happy Monday to you as well
Love, Laura