Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Yield: 6 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups rhubarb, washed and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 cups strawberries, washed and hulled
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• Generous pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Combine the first two ingredients in a nonreactive medium saucepan and cook until rhubarb is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Combine cooked rhubarb with remaining ingredients in a large, 12 inch nonreactive skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat until mixture bubbles steadily and cook until the temperature reaches 218 to 220 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Stir frequently.
3. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Let sit for 5 minutes and then ladle into sterilized jars.
4. Cool and then freeze or the jam can be water-bath canned per the instructions, no less than 10 minutes, with the canning jars.