Raspberry Chia Jam for Valentine’s Day

Looking for a sweet, healthy treat to spread on your toast, top your yogurt, or spoon onto pancakes this Valentine’s Day? This Raspberry Chia Jam is a game-changer! It’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with heart-healthy chia seeds. The raspberries bring a burst of fruity goodness, while the chia seeds help thicken the jam to that perfect, spreadable consistency. Best of all? You can skip the store-bought jam full of added sugars and preservatives. This jam is not only fresh and flavorful, but it’s also a fun little DIY project that you’ll be proud to share with your loved ones. Trust me, you’ll want to put this on everything!

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Chia Jam for Valentine’s Day

• Healthy & Delicious: With just a few simple ingredients, this jam is full of good-for-you nutrients from chia seeds, antioxidants from raspberries, and natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup.
• Quick & Easy: Unlike traditional jams, there’s no long cooking process. This one comes together in less than 30 minutes. You’ll be enjoying fresh, homemade jam in no time.
• Versatile: You can spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, spoon it over ice cream, or even use it as a filling for cookies or cakes. It’s super versatile!
• Naturally Sweetened: You get the perfect level of sweetness from natural sources like honey or maple syrup, so you can skip the refined sugars. It’s a win for your taste buds and your health!
• Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in cute little jars, this jam makes a perfect homemade gift for your loved ones on Valentine’s Day or any occasion. It’s thoughtful, personal, and oh-so-sweet.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Raspberry Chia Jam:

• Fresh Raspberries: The star of the show! You can use frozen raspberries too, but fresh will give you the most vibrant color and flavor.
• Chia Seeds: These little seeds work their magic by absorbing the liquid from the raspberries and thickening the jam naturally. They also add a bit of crunch.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener to balance out the tartness of the raspberries. You can adjust the sweetness depending on your preference.
• Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten up the flavor and enhance the raspberries’ natural tanginess.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

Simmer the Raspberries:

In a medium saucepan, add the fresh raspberries and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As they heat up, the raspberries will break down into a lovely, juicy mash. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the berries are soft and syrupy.

Mash and Sweeten:

Once the raspberries are nice and soft, use a fork or potato masher to gently mash them up to your desired consistency. You can leave it a bit chunky or mash it until smooth, depending on your preference.

Add the honey or maple syrup and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes to fully incorporate the sweetener.

Add Chia Seeds:

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chia seeds. The chia seeds will thicken the jam as it cools. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to work their magic and thicken the jam.

Cool and Store:

Once the jam has thickened, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it chills and will last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 (1 tablespoon per serving)
• Calories per serving: 25
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes

How to Serve Raspberry Chia Jam for Valentine’s Day

• Spread on Toast: A classic, but oh-so-satisfying. Spread this jam on warm, buttered toast for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Swirl into Yogurt: Take your yogurt bowl to the next level by swirling in a couple of spoonfuls of this fresh, tangy jam.
• Top Pancakes or Waffles: Give your pancakes or waffles a burst of flavor by drizzling on a little of this jam instead of syrup.
• Fill a Tart or Cake: Use this jam as a filling for a tart, a layer in a cake, or a topping for cupcakes. It’s a great way to add a fruity, fresh twist.
• Gift it in a Jar: Pack the jam in cute little jars and tie with a ribbon. It’s the perfect homemade Valentine’s Day gift for friends, family, or a special someone!

Additional Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the jam before adding the chia seeds and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more honey or maple syrup.
• Frozen Raspberries: You can use frozen raspberries in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them first and reduce the amount of water in the pan to prevent it from getting too watery.
• Flavor Variations: Get creative with different fruits! You can try swapping raspberries for strawberries, blackberries, or even mixed berries. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Thicker Jam: If you like a super thick jam, simply add a little more chia seeds and let it sit for a longer time to thicken.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before cooking.

Q2: How long does this jam last?
A2: It will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage.

Q3: Can I use other fruits besides raspberries?
A3: Absolutely! You can use strawberries, blackberries, or mixed berries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fruit.

Q4: Can I make this jam sugar-free?
A4: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you prefer a sugar-free version.

Q5: How do I store this jam?
A5: Store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. The jam will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Q6: Can I use this jam in baking?
A6: Yes! You can use it as a filling for cookies, cakes, or tarts. It’s a great way to add a fruity twist to your baked goods.

Q7: Can I add more chia seeds for a thicker consistency?
A7: Yes! Adding more chia seeds will thicken the jam even further. Just let it sit for a bit longer to absorb all the liquid.

Q8: Can I freeze this jam?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the jam for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

Q9: Can I substitute the honey for something else?
A9: You can use maple syrup, agave syrup, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change.

Q10: How do I make this jam less tart?
A10: If you find the jam too tart, simply add a little more sweetener (honey or maple syrup) to balance it out. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for a smoother flavor.

Conclusion

This Raspberry Chia Jam is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and healthy, making it a great choice for Valentine’s Day or any time you need a quick and easy homemade treat. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, adding it to desserts, or giving it as a gift, this jam is sure to steal hearts. Enjoy!

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