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Kid-Friendly Blackberry Jam

Simple Recipe for School and Home Lunches

Feb 21, 2009 Sarah Spiker

Add a new twist to PB&J school lunches by letting kids help in the process! This easy two-ingredient recipe allows kids to have fun and be healthy at the same time.

Blackberries are nutritious and delicious! Best of all, they are a kid-friendly food! According to EveningEdge.com, the average child will eat more than 1500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches up through high school.

According to nutrition data, blackberries are a good source of Vitamin E, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, and Copper. They are also a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Manganese. This food is also very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, making it the perfect school lunch.

Involving kids in kitchen activities can help them feel connected to the family and even spark their interest in nutrition. During the summer months, kids can be sent off to pick blackberries several times throughout the summer, ensuring a low-cost food that offers hours of picking fun.

Needed Ingredients

2 qts fresh, medium-sized blackberries
5-6 cups Splenda (or less if you wish)
Helpful Hint: This recipe can be easily downsized.

Directions

Thoroughly wash berries under cool running water.
In a large saucepan, cook berried over medium-low heat until berries are soft.
When the juices begin to flow, remove from heat. Under adult supervision, transfer the berries and juices to a separate large bowl. Using spatulas or other utensils allow children to mash berries into a fine pulp. Mixture may be strained using a cheesecloth or through a colander, and the desired amount of pulp may be added back to the mixture. (Or conversely, run through a food mill for juice and pulp.) Don't worry! The mixture will be thinner than normal jam!
Pour/place mixture back in pot. Bring just to a boil. Add sugar slowly. Bring mixture to a simmer for 20-25 minutes. Children should be careful to avoid splattering while mixture is simmering. Be sure to avoid burning by stirring frequently. If burning occurs, remove affected portion, and reduce heat.
Pour mixture into glass mason jars for storage.

Helpful Note: To avoid obvious staining, wear black or dark colored clothing. If parents are worried about stained fingers, children should use non-scented lotion on their hands 10 minutes before cooking jam and/or wear disposable gloves.

Left overs can be stores for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or the freezer.

Preparation and Use

Pair blackberry jam with a traditional creamy/crunchy peanut butter such as Marantha's Organic Nut Butters or try a specialty peanut butter. Peanut Butter and Co. makes peanut butter in a variety of flavors including: Raisin Swirl, White Chocolate Wonderful, and Mighty Maple.

The copyright of the article Kid-Friendly Blackberry Jam in Recipes is owned by Sarah Spiker. Permission to republish Kid-Friendly Blackberry Jam in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Blackberries