Jams, salsas and chutneys add zing to even the most boring foods. Though they originated in different parts of the world (England, Mexico and India respectively), they are all essentially sauces made from fruits, vegetables or herbs and/or spices. It seems that in every culture there’s a need to spice up food with something gooey. They all belong to the same family, so to speak – and I love family (even more than I love food).
I know it’s probably not proper to eat them by the spoonful in public, but it’s certainly one of the Forbidden Pleasures of Life for those of us who dare. If you are a traditionalist, you can primly dip and spread them to your heart’s content.
The most simple of jams can dress up a scone, a piece of toast, or even sweeten some matzo brei. A traditional PB&J sandwich can taste different every time, depending on the jam you use. Think peanut butter and marmalade. Hey, don’t knock it ‘til you try it!
For Purim, I shared a recipe for Homemade Mixed Berry Jam and it was a huge hit. At the time, I made a mental note to make more of these and share them with you this spring!
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So here goes — from my kitchen (and my heart) to yours — my new favorite jam: Orange Vanilla Marmalade.
Since we are working with the jam-salsa-chutney family (there I go again!), let’s think outside that jar. Salsa, along with chutney, can add such wonderful taste to a simple piece of grilled chicken or fish. My Pear Chutney adds some sweetness just when you need it, while my Spicy Eggplant Salsa adds a deep, hot flavor to any dish — and it’s perf as a dip or with chips.
This jam uses vodka for a real change, you can use it on anything from toast to chicken.
Some other Chutneys and Salsas to try:
• Papaya Avocado Salsa
• Sweet Chutney
• Spring Onion Chutney
• Cranberry Pear Chutney
Grape. Nothing goes better with peanut butter.
Matza and strawberry jelly-yummy!
Without a doubt – fig!
I am usually very content with apricot, but I once had cherry preserves that were out of this world!
My most favorite is strawberry jam, but I believe I love every one of the jams , jellies and marmalades that have already been mentioned.
Apricot has to be my favorite. Love it in Hamentashin, on chicken or just plain toast. Especially, toasted challah with margarine and apricot jam.
I love blackberry – so good on homemade waffels
Fig jam!!
I developed such a love for seasonal jams & marmalades, that I started my own little business making them in micro-batches, Freakin’ Flamingo. Not under OU supervision, but made in my kosher kitchen. 🙂 And blueberries are in season in Florida, right now. I’m traveling now, but when I get home, I’m making lots more Blueberry Marmalade!
My all time fav is the current jelly my grandmother made from the currents i would spend hours picking!
blueberry jam is my favorite
Fav jam is blueberry!
favorite is still grape
I adore whole fruit conserves. My very favorite is black current. I have loved this since my beloved grandmother gave me some over 50 years ago.
my favorite is chokecherry jam..made in my own kitchen. 🙂
My favorite is blackberry jelly. I used to love to pick blackberries during the summer when I was walking with my beloved mensch father. Now, whenever I have blackberry jelly, it brings back very sweet memories of the most wonderful man in the entire world.
I make lots of different jams and jellys and my favorite has to be spiced pear with wineberry as a close second.
My favorite jam is Plum with large chunks in it – my aunt makes the best Plum jam ever!
Favorite Jelly is Red Currant – so silky sweet and tarte – YUM!!!!
I love spicy/sweet jams! Like peach habanero. Contrasting flavor combinations are delectable!
My Dad’s favorite was always Smucker’s Strawberry Preserves, do I am a LITTLE partial to that since I grew up on it. However, every now and then I get a craving for Rosehip Jam which I came to love when my Dad was stationed in Germany!
kitty32504 at cox dot net
My grandmothers mixed berry jam–it was made from home grown berries.
My Babah (grandmother )used to make what she called”eingimachtz” , which was a combo of
all the jams that she had made . It was what I call “Shiit- arine” which was a little of this and a little of that. It had the most wonderful flavor;, not sweet, not sour, not bitter but had the perfect taste to it. No matter how hard I have tried, I just can’t duplicate it. It was and still is the best and my favorite!
Anything from Sarabeth’s Kitchen, especially the Raspberry Orange Marmalade (I use it on duck). http://www.sarabeth.com/Raspberry-Orange-Marmalade/productinfo/ROM/
Marmalade and Strawberry…they all look wonderful, great prize pack.
I just love orange marmelade. It is delicious on English muffins.
My favorite jelly is apricot…it’s so versatile and can be used in so many recipes. My favorite jam is peach. On a spoon is just fine with me!
marmalade rocks!
I’m torn…I love the bitter-sweetness of traditional British Orange Marmalade but I also really love Apricot jam.
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for the contest! 🙂 MMMMM Jam on my favorite food crepes is….Raspberry!!!!!!!
I like cherry best. The more cherries the better, so I actually prefer cherry preserves
My favorite is black cherry. But the kind that has delicious whole cherries in it that you can sink your teeth into when you spread it on a muffin or toast. All natural, no corn sweeteners just pure and delicious jam
My favorite is grape–basic but wonderful.
My favorite jam is Boysenberry and I only buy it for Purim….. which makes it more special.
Thanks for another great contest
Seedless Raspberry!
Raspberry jam is my favorite
It depends. To eat, Orange Marmalade but to cook chicken with, I often use Apricot Preserves as a base for coating.
my favorite is any brand of Strawberry…That is the only flavor I like
My favorite jam is strawberry, my dad used to make it. But any of these sound luscious.
I’m a fan of 777 Strawberry Preserves. I first encountered little pots at an Israeli hotel breakfast buffet but they’re available stateside at chain grocery stores.
Knott’s strawberry
When I was a kid, we used to pick blackberries in our backyard. Then my mom would boil them, add sugar and make them into many jars of jam. It’s been a while, but that is still my favorite jam.
I bought a jar of Apricot Jam in Amish Country, Pa, and have never before or since had anything so delicious.
My all time favorite jelly or jam is grape. Boring… trust me I know but grape is my favorite.
Strawberry!
I love any and all jam/jelly. My all time favorite would be Raspberry or Black Raspberry. Yummy
My favorite all time jam/jelly is GRAPE!!!
Strawberry-Rhubarb is the most heavenly concoction EVAH!
The best jam I’ve ever had was from a farmer’s market. It had strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and boysenberry. They gave me a free one when I didn’t want to commit to buying the big jar, and I came back the next year and bought four jars, at $5 apiece (expensive!). My husband and I were so sad when we finished them, but we hope to get more soon!
apricot- nothing like an apricot hamantach!
My fave jam/jelly? That’s a hard one–I love the ‘reds’ so it’s a toss up between strawberry (especially delicious on crepes!) and raspberry (it makes the BEST) cookie fillings. Either way, though, I like the all fruit preserves. It feels good to make a healthier choice AND the taste is just heavenly!