Carrot Cake Jam

For some reason Easter and carrot cake seem to go together to me. This year I thought we'd try something a little different and I made Carrot Cake Jam. The color is a warm orange, and the taste is heavily spiced with just a hint of vanilla. This hearty jam does truly taste like carrot cake and is perfect on a bagel with cream cheese. It would also be a beautiful appetizer spooned over a brick of cream cheese and served with crackers.

I loved that while the recipe makes around 7 half pint jars (I ended up with 6 1/2 jars), it only calls for 4 cups of sugar. 

If you've made jam before you know that's on the low side...

Sketched labels tied on with a little rafia made this Carrot Cake Jam-Easter Bunny approved:@)

Carrot Cake Jam-adapted from Wicked Good Kitchen
2 C finely grated peeled carrots
1 C peeled tart apple, finely diced-I used granny smith
20 oz can crushed pineapple, including juice
3 Tblsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg-I just grated some into the pot
1/4 tsp ground cloves-original recipe called for 1/2 tsp, I'd even use less than 1/4 tsp next time
handful of raisins-optional-I did add them
1.75 oz package of dry pectin
4 C sugar
1 Tblsp molasses
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 C flaked coconut-optional-I didn't use this
4 Tblsp finely chopped crystallized ginger-optional-I used 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1. Add carrots, apple, pineapple with juice, lemon juice, spices and raisins if using, to a large stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cover. Cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat, add pectin and stir until dissolved. 
3. Return to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once it boils add sugar and molasses, stir until it comes to a full rolling boil. Cook for one minute.
4. Remove from heat and skim top if necessary. Stir in vanilla, add the coconut and ginger if using. 
5. Ladle into sterilized jars and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
6. Remove jars from pot, place on a kitchen towel to cool, count the pings and love life!

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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