Homemade Jam! (the easy way....)

I have to admit....I love homemade jam and all things canned. BUT....I HATE the time it takes to make these things and the mess, mess mess it leaves behind. I like to keep things relatively simple. I work, I have 4 kids, blah, blah, blah. Seldom do I have a full day to dedicate to canning. Sooooooo, when my friend Lyndsay introduced me to this instant jam, I was instantly hooked. So easy, so delicious! NO COOKING required!!! The problem is keeping it around for very long!! Strawberry is my favorite. Lyndsay puts kiwi's in her strawberry jam. (OH MY GOODNESS!) Strawberry Jam will never be the same. I made a batch with blueberries mixed in. I am going to do strawberry and peach together next. I may even do some raspberry. I can't stop. Try some!

Homemade Jam

4 cups fruit of your choice, cleaned and pureed in the blender (Best combo's so far: 3 1/2 c strawberries and 3 kiwis; 3 c. strawberries and 1 c blueberries)

1 1/2 c sugar

1 package INSTANT fruit pectin (I used the "Ball" brand).

Blend fruit and sugar in blender until combined. Add pectin slowly while blender is mixing and let mix for about 2 minutes. Pour into containers of choice. (I used gladware disposable tupperware). Let set for about 30  minutes and then refrigerate or freeze.

MY FAVORITE HOMEMADE FRESH SALSA

I love salsa. We eat it almost daily as a snack. So when I find a good recipe - it gets used! and used and used and used. This is my favorite recipe. I got it from my BFF Kristi. Her mom made it one night for a party and I instantly fell in love. You will too. ( I usually double the recipe because it doesn't last very long!!!)
1 4oz can chopped olives
1 4oz can diced green chile's
3-4 fresh tomatoes, diced
4 green onions, sliced
2 T. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
2 garlic cloves minced
2 T cider vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
several drops of hot sauce

Stir all ingredients together and let marinade a couple of hours before serving. (we usually can't wait that long...). Will keep in the fridge for several days (if you don't eat it all the first night...).