Mrs. G's Italian Plum & Cointreau Jam

Ingredients

• 4 lbs italian plums (do not use soft over ripe plums, it gives the jam a plastic flavor, use firm plums)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or frozen, I like Minute Maid Frozen Lemon Juice)
• 3 1/2 cups sugar (the original recipe called for 4 cups, but I thought it was way too sweet. I wouldn't recommend usin)
• 1/2 cup orange liqueur (I use Cointreau)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. 1

   JELLY:.

2. 2

   Rinse, drain and pit plums.

3. 3

   Cook the plums and water at a fast simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. I use my biggest, shallowest pan that will hold the plums and water and allow for stirring, you want evaporation to take place.

4. 4

   The plums will become very soft and begin to fall apart.

5. 5

   Press the plums and liquid through a coarse food mill.

6. 6

   Combine plums, lemon juice and sugar in a large pan (like a dutch oven) or preserving pan.

7. 7

   Add 1 tablespoon of butter, this helps reduce foaming.

8. 8

   Stir over medium high heat until sugar is dissolved.

9. 9

   Cook jam at a brisk boil (spooning off any foam that arises) until it passes the jelly test, about 10 - 11 minutes.

10. 10

    Add liqueur and cook 2 minutes.

11. 11

    Remove from heat.

12. 12

    CANNING:.

13. 13

    Wash jars and screw rings.

14. 14

    Fill electric fry pan 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil.

15. 15

    Put jars in water, upside down along with sealing lids.

16. 16

    Jars should heat at least 10 minutes, and sealing lids at least 3 and should be covered by water.

17. 17

    Ladle jam into jars filing to 1/4 from very top.

18. 18

    Wipe rim with boiling water using a paper towel.

19. 19

    Put on sealing lid and screw on ring.

20. 20

    Turn jar upside down.

21. 21

    Finish all jars.

22. 22

    Turn jars right side up.

23. 23

    Cover jars with a towel.

24. 24

    Jars should seal in 5 - 30 minutes. If jars does NOT seal, use jam, do not store for any length of time.