Rhubarb Jam Using Strawberry Jello

It's rhubarb season here in the mid-Atlantic states and once again this year my plant is hearty and healthy! I wanted to try something new and decided this Rhubarb Jam Using Strawberry Jello sounded good, and it was! From a quick Google I see folks have been making some variation of this jam for as long as Jello has been around... It's also easy to make different flavor combinations by simply changing up the Jello, a batch of raspberry or orange seem to be very popular. This is an extremely tasty jam and if you bump up the amount of rhubarb (as I did), you can really taste it.

Most recipes call for diced rhubarb but don't mention the size to aim for, I suggest about 1/4" across the "strings" and no wider than 1/2", so I'll cut the big stems into 4-6 pieces lengthwise if needed. Two other tips: I crushed the rhubarb with a potato masher as it cooked and stired the Jello in with a whisk.

Sounds like we have choices about how to can this... You can simply cool and store in the fridge (freezer for long term storage) or process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Since I knew my jars would be going home with the kids tomorrow I did what a lot of other bloggy buddies do and simply turned the filled jars upside down for about 5 minutes, then turned them upright, every one of them "pinged" and sealed... Sssshhhhh-don't tell the Food Police:@)

I started with two very similar recipes, one from Kraft and the other from Allrecipes, then made my own changes based upon the reviews. I think you'll like this if you try it folks.

Rhubarb Jam Using Strawberry Jello-makes approx 4 1/2 half pint jars
6 C rhubarb, diced about 1/4-1/2"
2 C sugar
1 four serving size package of Strawberry Jello

1. Place rhubarb in large heavy bottomed pot, stir in sugar and let sit for 30-45 minutes, this will produce some liquid.
2. Heat to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook for about 13 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender.
3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Jello, stir until dissolved.
4. Ladle into sterilized jars, wipe rims, apply lids and bands. Store as desired from above.

Preserve a little bit of spring and have a happy day:@)

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