Plum Jam

My first batch of homemade jam! Dang, if I would have known it was this easy to make I would have started making my own homemade yummy jam years ago!

I did some research on how to make the best jam ever, talked to my mother (who is a fabulous cook) and then made my own little tweaks to the recipe. So, here is my recipe for the worlds best jam...

First step- have parents call and ask if you would like a "few" plum from their plum tree. Smile thinking your son would love more of Nana and Grandpa's fresh fruit and veggies... and quickly agree.

Then have Nana and Grandpa drop off a 5 gallon bucket FULL of plums! no kidding.. it was filled to the top. This picture was taken after I made a batch of jam. I still have enough plums left over to supply half of North America with plum jam!
Next recruit a cute little boy to sing into a wooden spoon and dance around the kitchen with a bowl on his head. Pour a glass of wine, giggle at the silly kid and get ready to start making jam.
Now the boring part... slice and dice 6 cups of plums
place sliced plums into a large stock pot with 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Boil. Stir frequently. While this is coming to a boil wash 6 12-ounce canning jars. Place in a large pot of boiling water. Leave the jars and rims in the boiling water until ready to fill. Do not boil the flat seals.
Once plums have boiled for 1 minute, lower heat to simmer and cover for 10 minutes.
Plums will reduce to about 4 1/2 cups of plum syrup. Add 6+ cups of sugar. (most recipes suggested 7-8 cups of sugar. I added 7 cups and it was a little sweeter than I would like). Boil until sugar is dissolved. Add 1 package (3 ounces) pectin. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Skim off foam if you have any. I didn't have any foam on mine.
ladle into sterilized jelly jars. clean any spills off the outside rim. Place the flat seal on top and screw on the rings. Hand tighten. Place in boiling water on the stove. Water should just cover the top of the jars. Boil for 5 minutes.
Remove from water and place on a towel on the counter. After 15 minutes all the jars should be sealed. To check the seal press down in the middle of the lid. If it springs back, it's not sealed.
Allow jars to sit on counter and cool over night. Last step... and the best part... wake the next morning and race down the stairs with your smiling, giggling, singing, dancing little helper and pop open a jar of your homemade yummy plum jam! Spread some on a piece of toast and relish in the "mmmm's"
Then relax in the family room with a full belly and watch your silly kid create his own exercise routine?!? Connor was running laps and would stop in front of my legs, put his head against my belly, wrap his arms around my legs and flex his legs straight up. Talk about using ab muscles!