Ingredients
- 3 Pounds individually quick frozen strawberries
- 4 Cups sugar, divided
- 1/2 Cup water, divided
- 1 Pint frozen unsweetened rhubarb, finely chopped
- 3 Tablespoons fresh gingerroot, peeled and chopped fine
- 2 Tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 4 Cups California golden raisin paste*
- 4 Cups California golden raisins
- 6 liquid pectin
Procedure
Measure strawberries, 3-1/2 cups sugar, and 1/4 cup water into an 8-quart saucepan; heat to simmer and cook on low, stirring frequently, until strawberries are thawed and tender. Meanwhile, combine rhubarb, remaining 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, gingerroot and lemon juice in 1-quart saucepan; bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes, until rhubarb is tender.
Mash strawberries with immersion blender or potato masher and stir in raisin paste, mixing well. Add raisins and return to heat. Add rhubarb to pan with strawberries; return to boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Add liquid pectin all at once, return to full rolling boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat; skim if necessary. Turn into sterilized jars or clean containers; cover, seal and cool. Store at room temperature or keep unsealed containers in refrigerator.
Note: Jam may also be prepared with an equal amount of fresh strawberries that have been stemmed and crushed, and an equal amount of fresh rhubarb that has been finely chopped.
Commercially prepared California raisin paste is available from foodservice and industrial suppliers. To make your own raisin paste, grind or process in a food processor whole California raisins equal to twice the amount of raisin paste required (8 cups golden raisins) until very finely chopped and smooth.