Smashed Peas & Carrots

Inspiration For Living Creatively - DIY Crafts, Sewing, Recipes, Crafts & More

  • Press
  • Disclosure
  • Collaborate
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Dots
  • Google Plus

Become a Subscriber

never miss a thing!

  • Home
  • About
    • Advertising
    • Disclosure & Safety Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bento Lunch
    • Beverages
    • Smoothies
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Casserole
    • Crockpot
      • Visual Library
    • Dairy Free
    • Dessert
    • Gluten Free
    • Main Course
    • Holiday
    • Instant Pot
    • Paleo
    • Party Food
    • Salad
    • Side Dish
    • Soup
    • All Recipes
  • Tutorials
    • Children
    • Adult
    • Home Decor
    • No Sew
    • Sewing
      • Children Sewing
      • Adult Sewing
      • Home Decor Sewing
      • Sewing Basics
    • Sewing Studio
    • Knitting
    • Kids Crafts
    • Bento
    • Holiday
    • Parties
    • Gift Ideas
    • Natural Living
    • All Tutorials
  • shop
You are here: Home / Recipes / Breakfast / RECIPE: Vanilla Strawberry Jam AND Ball Fresh TECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker Review and Giveaway!
Jul
12

RECIPE: Vanilla Strawberry Jam AND Ball Fresh TECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker Review and Giveaway!

| Filed Under: Breakfast, Canning, Dessert, Gift Ideas, Recipes, Reviews, Summer Fun, Tutorials

**This giveaway is now closed. See below for the winner!**
I was asked to try out one of the newest Ball brand canning products, the Fresh TECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker earlier this summer and since I have an affinity for mason jars, canning my lovely garden produce and, well, anything Ball brand I was in!
The Fresh TECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker allows anyone interested in creating their own jams and jellies the opportunity to do so in 30 minutes or less with the push of a button.  It is so rad and it really is THAT easy! Once your jam or jelly is made you can eat it right away, refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks, or you may can it to enjoy up to a year later!
I’ve got to tell you how much I really love this machine!  I’ll be honest that I had seen it when it first came out and didn’t get the point of it.  I mean how hard is it to make your jam on the stovetop?  Well, let me just tell you that it’s not hard to make jam on your stovetop, really it’s not.  But it is HOT! Whenever I can jam my kitchen becomes a hot mess, literally and figuratively.  It seems like the temperature rises to 100 degrees easily with one giant pot of boiling water plus another big pot with my strawberry jam cooking away that I need to stand near and stir so it gels up just right.  The Fresh TECH takes the heat right out of making jam.  Like a crockpot it heats up your jam or jelly but keeps the rest of your kitchen nice and cool, plus it stirs it for you so there is no need to stand around a hot stove mixing and stirring and on and on and on!  LOVE!!!
And the Fresh TECH machine is about the size of a standard crockpot and the pot portion comes away from the base for easy cleaning. There are only 4 parts to the machine, the base, the pot, the lid, and the stirring blade so its really easy to clean afterwards too!
When I received my Fresh TECH we had just gone strawberry picking so making jam was on my brain…and it was the perfect time to try out my new appliance 🙂
I made some Vanilla Strawberry Jam and it rocked our socks off…it was sooo good!  Just think Strawberry Jam with a hint of vanilla…nom! Let me show you how I made it and how the Fresh TECH works!
Vanilla Strawberry Jam
Recipe Type: Canning
Author: Maggie Brereton
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 21 mins
Total time: 31 mins
Serves: 2 half pint jars
Ingredients
  • .4 oz packet of Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin
  • 1 1/3 cups washed and crushed strawberries
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup evaporated cane sugar, granulated sugar, sugar substitute, or honey
  • 1/2 vanilla bean
Instructions
  1. Sprinkle packet of pectin evenly around the base of the Fresh TECH pot fitted with the stirrer.
  2. Add crushed strawberries evenly over the pectin (may add 1/2 tsp butter or margarine to the pot at this time to reduce foaming).
  3. Press the JAM button. The cook time will automatically default to 21 minutes. Press ENTER.
  4. Wait 4 minutes for the appliance to sound 4 short beeps indicating that it is time to add the sugar. Add sugar gradually while the stirring blade continues to run.
  5. Place lid over pot and let the Fresh TECH continue to stir the jam. It will beep again once jam cooking is complete.
  6. Press CANCEL, unplug the machine, and immediately remove the lid.
  7. Remove the stirrer using a pot holder, the jam and inside of the machine will be very hot. You can skim foam at this time as well.
  8. Preserve jam using method of your choice…refrigerate, freeze, or can.
3.2.2265
Ok, so this is really easy peasy!
A whole bowl of washed fresh strawberries…check!

Crush your berries until you have 1 1/3 cups of them and set aside.

Grab a packet of Low or No-Sugar Needed Pectin!

And sprinkle it evenly over the base of the pot with the stirrer in place!

Then add the crushed strawberries over top…nice and evenly!

Start the Fresh TECH by pressing the JAM button. See how the 21 minutes pops up automatically?  Ok, now push ENTER. The machine will get hot and start cooking your jam, all the while stirring it ever so nicely.

While you are waiting for the machine to sound off 4 beeps to let you know it’s ready for you to add in the sugar, slice a vanilla bean in half so you can see all that delicious caviar inside.

When the machine beeps, add in your 1/2 cup sugar and your opened vanilla bean half.

Place the lid on and let the Fresh TECH cook your jam while you go do something other than stand by your stove stirring a pot of jam, yahoo!

Ok, once the machine beeps again indicating it is done cooking your jam, Take the lid off and remove the hot stirrer carefully!

Then ladle your delicious, homemade Vanilla Strawberry Jam into two half-pint jars….Mmmm!

I placed mine in our refrigerator and they were both gone in 2 days flat!  This jam is seriously so dang good!

Ok, now who is interested in winning one of these babies?

Ball brand canning products if offering ONE of my lucky readers ONE Fresh TECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker as well as a coupon for a FREE case of Ball canning jars….woooohooo!

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter or CLICK HERE now!
**The winner is…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO,

** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own.  This post contains paid links.

You may also like -

Crockpot Apple Cider-RECIPEAnother School Lunch Idea: Bento StyleNow this is so cute! A Stretched Burlap Canvas Jewelry Holder that holds necklaces, bracelets, drop earrings and studs….love!Stretched Burlap Canvas Jewelry HolderGluten Free Baked Lemon DonutsDairy Free Gluten Free Baked Lemon DonutsInstant Pot Shredded BBQ ChickenInstant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Become a Subscriber

never miss a thing!

Comments

  1. Erin says

    July 12, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    I have been really into butters lately. Strawberry rhubarb…yum!

  2. latanya t says

    July 12, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    I like apricot jelly

  3. Beth @ Whiskey Tango Hello says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    I don’t have a favorite recipe yet – I’ve never made jam or jelly. 🙂

  4. sayer13 says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Peaches…..nothing tastes as great as fresh, canned peaches eaten with toast. Yum!

  5. Kerry says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    I don’t really can. The main canning “recipe” I am aware of is my grandmother and my mom canning green beans. 🙂

  6. Shanon Brugh says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    This is my new favorite canning recipe! My husband uses processed grape jelly like there’s no tomorrow, I would love to swap it out for a healthier version. I bet this recipe would also taste great on waffles and pancakes for breakfast 🙂

  7. jack says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    That looks delicious!!!!!!

  8. Rebecca says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    I’ve been making so much jam lately with all these fresh strawberries and Bing cherries…love using all this fresh fruit, but hate canning in the heat of summer! This looks great!

  9. jeannene bonthuis-carter says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    well.. this might actually get me making jam for the same reason you mention – the heat in the kitchen it makes in summertime (and I live in the south ) I can live without , but it sounds like this would do the trick keeping it cooler !

  10. Curly Girl says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Thanks for this recipe! the smooth vanilla must be wonderful with the sweet strawberries.

  11. tobbilynn says

    July 12, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    I haven’t tried canning yet but this inspires me to try!

  12. Brandy says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    My favorite is raspberry jam delish!!

  13. Anonymous says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    I love to make chili sauce!

  14. onescrappychick says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    I love canning, and haven’t made any jam yet this summer. (missed out on strawberries, so sad as that is my favorite). What a neat gadget!!

  15. Anonymous says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    I would love this!

  16. Dawn Saros-Kirk says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    I just made strawberry freezer jam the other day after going strawberry picking. I’ve been intimidated by canning for some reason. This machine looks cool!

  17. Shirley says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    I have a recipe for Crockpot Apple Sauce. It is a favorite of my husband and does not last very long.

  18. Timmi says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I have never canned before because of the HOT horror stories my mom would tell me! But I do by as much jams and jellies as I can afford from farmer’s markets and corn cob jelly and strawberry rhubarb are my favorites.

  19. Sandy Anderson says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    Love strawberry jam! would be fun to make with the jam maker:)

  20. Jessica says

    July 12, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    love this recipe! My dad used to can all of the time. Must try!

  21. Bright Angel says

    July 12, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I so need this for making blueberry jam when we go picking this month! Love blueberry jam and canning tomatoes! Thanks for the chance to win!

  22. Nancy says

    July 12, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    I love them all – we can a lot, and I love it all, and appreciate the bounty from the garden!

  23. Carolyn says

    July 12, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    One of my favorites that is super easy is apple butter. I make it in my crock pot, cooks for hours and I don’t have to pay too much attention to it. And it makes great gifts!

  24. annemarie says

    July 12, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    I love homemade canned tomatoes.

  25. Karyle says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    I can everything, but our favorite jam is pear and mandarin orange.

  26. Martisanne says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    This recipe looks lovely cant wait to try it

  27. Diane says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    This is the 2nd time today that I’ve read about the wonders of the FreshTech….must be a sign!

  28. Anonymous says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    I tried to leave a comment but it just clicked out on the Rafflecopter- so I’ll leave one here- this is my new fav recipe—it has honey as an option.
    Lmessimer(at)aol(dot)com

  29. Anonymous says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    What will they think of next? Does the 1/2 c. water go in with the crushed strawberries? Thanx 🙂

  30. Tanyia says

    July 12, 2013 at 4:56 pm

    I made watermelon jam this week…it is a new favorite as it is amazing! I really REALLY need this in my life!!!! Omg my kids are always wanting more homemade jam ty so much for the chance!

  31. Julianne Pavey says

    July 12, 2013 at 6:36 pm

    I follow the recipe on the pectin box. Love making strawberry jam! So much better than store bought! Would love this machine so I don’t sweat to death either. 🙂

  32. The Good Doctor's wife says

    July 12, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    My Nanny made the best strawberry and raspberry jams, and the best homemade bread to go with it… I love to do everything the way she did it!

  33. Brandi Davis says

    July 12, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    I really need to get one of those! Making jams in Florida is just waaaay tooo HOT! And that recipe sounds sooo delish!

  34. Momma J says

    July 12, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I really like to make crock pot fruit butters. I’m with you, too hot for all that cooking in the summer 🙂

  35. Tammy says

    July 12, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    I love to make apple or pear butter and any and all kinds of jelly…

  36. Andrea J. says

    July 12, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    I love to make strawberry and raspberry jam, never thought to add vanilla- yum!

  37. Reb Thack says

    July 12, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    I’ve never tried making jam – so no recipes to share. But I’d love to try!

  38. AnnaZed says

    July 12, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    I like to make mango chutney
    ******************

    {in the contest I am Margot Core on the Rafflecopter}

  39. momdrinkstea says

    July 12, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Pinning and trying soon! 🙂

  40. Karri says

    July 12, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    I have never done any canning but this sounds like a wonderful recipe to try!

  41. Anonymous says

    July 12, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    I don’t can but really want to try to!–Robin/Forlovessake

  42. Debbie Bishop says

    July 12, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    My favorite is Blackberry Jam!

    • Debbie Bishop says

      July 12, 2013 at 11:57 pm

      And this has been on my wish list for a long time!

  43. kate says

    July 13, 2013 at 12:07 am

    My favorite is blueberry with fresh picked blueberries.

  44. Christina says

    July 13, 2013 at 1:33 am

    I love making pickled jalapenos! Of course, I also love making jams and beets and beans!

  45. Allison says

    July 13, 2013 at 5:58 am

    I love anything strawberry but I might try to make my grandma’s famous strawberry rhubarb jam if I were to win this!

  46. Karen Ambrogi says

    July 13, 2013 at 10:48 am

    It’s all about blueberry jam around our house!

  47. Pattij says

    July 13, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    This looks so great! I love canning tomatoes!

  48. Tiff, Ry, Jayden, and Alex says

    July 13, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    I love me some raspberry jam!!!

  49. Laney's Legacy's says

    July 13, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I like to make lemon jelly.

  50. Katherine Donovan says

    July 14, 2013 at 2:48 am

    I love to make pickled beets! The recipe has been handed down from my great grandmother. The seasoning are perfect!

    donovandiva61269@aol.com

  51. Kathy says

    July 14, 2013 at 3:27 am

    I love to make Raspberry jam.

  52. Avery's Mama says

    July 14, 2013 at 10:30 am

    raspberry. I found a recipe that doesn’t require pectin and I love it!

  53. Mort says

    July 14, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    I have never canned before but always wanted to try…this looks like a good one 🙂

  54. Carol says

    July 14, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    Either peach jam or homemade veggie soup!

  55. Mel says

    July 15, 2013 at 12:44 am

    I make gingered sliced peaches, peach butter, and a blueberry citrus conserve that’s just… amazing. MMmmm

  56. Mindy says

    July 15, 2013 at 3:02 am

    My favorite jelly is prickly pear, jam is apricot pineapple.

  57. mel says

    July 16, 2013 at 4:39 am

    The easy freezer jelly’s 🙂

  58. Andrea says

    July 16, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Love freezer jam, but this machine looks AWESOME!

  59. JoEllen says

    July 16, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    We always can strawberry jam and apricot jam and pears and apples each year. This is such an awesome giveaway!

  60. heatherp626 says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:47 pm

    Strawberry jam is a favorite of our family!

  61. Carmen N says

    July 24, 2013 at 2:35 am

    Strawberry jam goes the most in our family followed by (wild) black raspberry

  62. Marion says

    May 31, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    I definitely have to try try this . Vanilla and strawberries, two of my favorite thins..I have the canner and used it for the first time today. It is great. I can a lot and know i am going to love it more with this.

  63. Holly says

    July 2, 2015 at 3:34 am

    Sounds delish! But do you have a version without the machine?

Welcome to Smashed Peas and Carrots. You can read more about me HERE
 photo designTeam.png
Follow on Bloglovin

Popular Tutorials

Highlighter Valentine Card with Free Printable

Highlighter Valentine Card with Free Printable…

Play Doh Valentine Card Free Printable

Play Doh Valentine Card Free Printable…

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Elderberry Syrup Recipe: Natural Cold and Flu…

Teacher Survival Kit

Teacher Survival Kit with FREE Printable…

Notebook Paper Pencil Pouch Teacher Gift Idea

Notebook Paper Pencil Pouch Teacher Gift Idea…

Free Silhouette File Teacher Canvas Bag Gift Idea

Free Silhouette File: Teacher Canvas Bag Gift…

Popular Recipes

No Bake Energy Bites Recipe…

Chocolate Coconut Cups {Gluten and Dairy Free}…

DIY Taco Seasoning Recipe…

Sugar. Cookie. Icing. {The Recipe}…

French Dip..Crockpot Style!…

Crockpot Banana Bread…for Real!…

My Sponsors

 photo FatQuarterShop-175x175.png

 photo cdf15248-e6f8-4276-abc0-c145e2451c35.jpg


Blog Archives

Posts by Topic

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Dots
  • Google Plus

Join me on Facebook

Copyright Smashed Peas and Carrots © 2025 · All rights reserved · Design by Emily White Designs

Copyright © 2025 · Smashed Peas & Carrots Custom on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in