Ingredients
5 cups crushed plums, peaches, or nectarines (about 3 pounds fruit), any bruised spots cut away
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup (1.75 ounces) powdered, no-sugar-needed pectin
Preparation
Thoroughly wash, rinse, and dry seven 8-ounce plastic freezer or glass jars with tight-fitting lids. You can also use zip-top freezer bags.
In a medium pot, combine fruit and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high.
In a bowl, whisk together sugar and pectin; add to fruit, stirring until sugar mixture dissolves and fruit returns to a full rolling boil. Boil 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Transfer to jars or bags, leaving a 1/2-inch space on top. Seal and let sit at room temperature until jam is set, 2 to 3 hours. To store, freeze, up to 6 months. To thaw jam, transfer to the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.
This recipe was tested with Ball and Sure-Jell brand pectins; look for either in the supermarket’s baking aisle. Always leave at least a 1/2-inch head space because the jam will expand as it freezes.Make sure your fruit is ripe so the jam sets properly. To crush fruit, chop flesh and mash with a potato masher.
