I would like to take a moment and discuss the deliciousness of Jam.

What with all the new marketing campaigns and new products out there for everything anyone can think of, it’s easy to lose site of old favorites. “to thine own self be true” as the bard wrote. Don’t forget where you came from!

Jam has been around for centuries, and there is a good reason why. Berries and fruits are some of the most interesting and full flavors you can find. jam was a way that people preserved the berries for storage.

People would take those preserved fruits and make all kinds of yummy baked goods out of them: Pies, Cookies, Cakes with Jam fillings.

But who has time to do that anymore? Even those of us who do enjoy the process of cooking don’t have the time!

But jam, even without the surrounding baked item (crust, cookies, whatever) is really good! My friends in Russia (who DID make their own jam, store-bought wasn’t an option) taught me to just stick in a spoons and chow down.

Yes, jam does have a lot of sugar. But other than that, it has a lot of good things in it’s favor. No fat, no cholesterol, tons of vitamins and an incredible amount of flavor.

I’m tired of bland pre-packaged flavors. I am reviving the habit of spooning up jam in my life. I encourage you all to try it too!

Pick a flavor that you really like! Except grape jelly. That’s nasty.

Personally, I like jams with some heft. Jellies are too smooth; I want to feel the berries pop in my mouth.

Raspberry and boysenberry have seeds with add interest. But if you don’t like seeds, try the apricot or plum. These have incredible zing and still retain some texture in the chunks of fruit.

If you are worried about the sugar, you can get the 100% fruit spread that are everywhere now. I ate just a tablespoon last night with a hot cup of black tea, and I was extremely satisfied.

Check it out! See if you don’t rediscover an old-fashioned delight.