JAM PACKED… with love

Inviting 200 people to the middle of nowhere, in the dead of winter, on a Sunday was probably not the nicest thing I’ve ever done… but January 12, 2014 was a perfect day thanks to God, my family and friends who helped everything come together and of course, all of the guests who attended. Whether they flew 2,000 miles or drove 2 hours, I appreciated each and every person who came. And they deserved to know that! As much as your wedding day is about “you”… it’s not. It is very much about the people who have come to celebrate with you.

That is where wedding favors come in. They are a fun, creative way for your guests to remember your wedding, but also to make their presence feel valued. My mom is a rock star at homemade jam, which made it one of my first ideas for my wedding favor. We chose a familiar recipe that also coordinated with my wedding colors. In the hours spent making the jams, my mom, mother-in-law and I bonded over boiling water and frozen blueberries. And lots and lots of limes. And let me tell you, it paid off. It’s not every day you get a comment after your wedding like this one:

“I’m sitting here in pure bliss enjoying the most delightful jam from your wedding (my mom sent me one).. and I can’t get enough of it. I wish the jar was 29384623 times larger. Sad I missed your special day, but so happy for you!! Congrats!” – Nicole Mammoser, a dear neighbor

Ingredients for Blueberry Lime Jam:

• 4 1/2 cups blueberries, washed and drained (we used the frozen blueberries from Costco and did not rinse them)
• 1 package powdered pectin
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1 Tbsp lime zest
• 5 cups sugar
• Canning jars (we used 4 oz. jars)

To make the jam:

1. Crush berries, one layer at a time in a large sauce pot. Combine the crushed berries and pectin and bring to a rolling boil, stirring frequently.
2. Add the lime juice, lime zest and sugar. Return to a rolling boil; boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary.
4. Pour hot into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
5. Adjust caps and allow 15 minutes to process in water bath.

Yields: about 6 half pints of jam.

Supplies for packaging:

• Avery metal rim key tabs
• Avery Labels
• Personalized Stickers
• Ribbon

To package it all up:

1. Download a template here and personalize what you want your label to say. Once you’re happy with the design, follow the instructions to print. (tip: if you have any trouble, call Avery support! I had a few questions and they were very helpful) Stick labels on the canning jar top.
2. Order your fun instagram stickers! We used an engagement picture to add a personal touch. Stick those little guys on the metal-rimmed key tabs.
3. String the key tab onto the ribbon of your choice. Warning: Satin ribbons are hard to keep in place- I chose a more textured ribbon. Finish off with a tight little bow.

Good luck and enjoy!