Quintessential summer jam

Jammin´......This has to be the quickest and healthiest jam on the planet.Even if you have never made jam or think its beyond your culinary comfort zone, this is a real cheats version and anyone can do it.Trust me.

There is no need for thermometers or worrying about whether it has reached setting point.

Chia seeds are used in place of sugar and or pectin as the setting agent and to thicken the consistency.You can adjust the sweetness according to your palate. Feel free to add as little or as much as you like.You can use maple syrup, honey or agave.

You can use fresh or frozen berries.the recipe works well with cranberries too but since they are more tart, you will need more sweetener.I used my favourite mix of summer berries, mostly raspberries, but you can use any kind you have to hand or have a glut that needs using.

It’s perfect on top of yogurt, , overnight oats, porridge, waffles, pancakes, toast,sandwiches, 

and can be enjoyed in so many other ways.

3 small containers of berries 

(each container was 150 g  /6oz) 

use any berries you like

2 teaspoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons of sweetener is optional I like maple syrup but any will work

1 heaping teaspoon chia seeds optional 

if you like it thick

Add the berries with the lemon juice to a pot on the stove. Turn the heat on medium and let them cook for a few minutes. 

Once they start to soften and break down, mash them with a masher into your preferred consistency.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add a touch of sweetener of choice. The sweetener is optional but I like to add it in if my berries are super tart. Let the jam cook for a few more minutes as you stir. Once it thickens, take it off the heat and stir in the chia seeds.

The chia will expand and make the jam thick and no, you won’t be able to taste them. Transfer into a glass jar and let it cool completely. Store it in the fridge for 10-14 days. Mine lasts longer but it will depend on your fridge temperature as well.