Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam
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Oh, my life you ask? It's been buuuuuusy lately.
Within the last week, I've filmed scenes in a local movie production, drove Sawyer to Detroit for his first official modeling job, photographed a maternity session, photographed an engagement session, edited a gazillion photos, walked through 5 homes {since we're looking to move}, and all this while continuing my normal everyday life of taking care of my little babe, working 25 hours a week from home, prepping clean meals, and working out! If I don't seem to be cranking out the recipes as quickly as I used to...it's likely because I've been napping instead of photographing my food...and by napping I mean sitting on the couch in my PJ's doing absolutely nothing. #imsorry #sometimesineedmetime
I promise I am not complaining. Everything I listed above has been something positive in my life, and I'm so grateful for all the opportunities that I've been given. I love everything I do, and I say that with 100% honesty.
What I can also say with 100% honesty is that this jam is on point. And by on point I mean so fresh and yummy your peanut butter and jelly sandwich will never be the same.
No but seriously. It's reeeeeally good.
I'll be upfront and admit it is not extremely sweet. The jams and jelly's in the grocery stores have soooo much added sugars. You have to appreciate this jam for what it is. It's naturally sweet from the berries and honey and slightly tart from the fresh lemon juice. The chia seeds expand and gel when wet, giving it the "jam" like texture. I loved the toned down sweetness, but I've also been trying to cut my sugar intake and have in turn been more accepting of fruits and veggies in their more natural state. If you wish to have a sweeter jam, I recommend adding a bit of stevia to taste.
If you're not sure what to do with jam besides smear it on some toast for breakfast or spread on your PB&J, try tossing it in some plain Greek yogurt! I added a few spoonfuls of this Strawberry Chia Jam to some yogurt and mixed in banana slices, almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds. A fun little yogurt bowl in the AM.
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Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam
Ingredients
1 lb organic strawberries
3 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp pure honey
stevia to taste (optional)
Instructions
Rinse and hull the strawberries
Toss strawberries in a food processor and pulse until your desired consistency is reached. You don't want to completely turn them into liquid - leave a bit of texture! You can also mash with a fork.
In a medium bowl, mix together chia seeds, lemon juice, and honey.
Add the strawberries, mix well, and pour into a large mason jar (or other container with lid).
Store in fridge for 3-5 days or in freezer (should be ready to eat about 5 hours after chilled when the chia seeds start to gel)
Notes
I didn't add stevia to my jam. I love the natural flavors of strawberry and lemon and appreciate them as is. If you want a sweeter jam, taste before chilling and add stevia to taste. Makes about 16oz.
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