When the folks at Jam contacted me and asked if I'd like to try out a jar of their Blenheim Apricot Jam, I was hesitant to accept. Not because I don't love jam but because the vast majority of jam I've eaten in my lifetime has been made by my mom and she makes some really terrific jam. She hand picks blueberries, wild blackberries and yellow plums for her jam. It's so good that in past years she has sold it at craft fairs and frequently gives it as gifts. Because of my mom's cooking and canning skills, I know good jam.
These folks know good jam too. When I received the box, I immediately took it into the kitchen, broke the seal on the jar and dipped a spoon in. I touched a small amount to my tongue and waited for a reaction from my tastebuds. They nearly danced from the joy of the jam. The flavor is intensely apricot-y and smooth. It has the power to turn an ordinary piece of toast into something exalted. I imagine it would be amazing as the fruit layer in a cake or jelly roll. It is awesome, amazing jam.
They make it in small batches, canning it the old fashioned way, just like my mom does. It's a little bit spendy, coming in at $20 a jar before shipping, so I would rank it as a treat for a special occasion. If you have a jam lover in your life towards whom you are feeling particularly generous, this (along with a nice, crusty loaf of bread) would make an excellent gift.
New York Times Magazine's food issue
Chicken McNuggets frolic at New York City pet store
Eat your broccoli orbs! 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-08-2007 @ 4:44PM
julien said...
damn, i want some of your mother's jam!
Reply
9-08-2007 @ 5:27PM
pbpmom3 said...
A fruit that is native to Brazil is the ACAI berry and you can make jam with it. The ACAI berry has been touted the #1 superfood in the world by Dr. Perricone. It has a tremendously high antioxidant value and has helped my family and friends with so many health issues it is amazing. Learn more: http://www.mymonavie.com/richardfamily
Reply
9-09-2007 @ 7:43AM
Angela said...
That's a sweet jam to be in, all of us should so
lucky.
Reply
9-09-2007 @ 11:53AM
Aaron said...
I also grew up on homemade jam. However in my case it was just strawberry. It was awesome, and still a treat on the rare occasion my mother makes some, freezes it, and then ships it to me.
-Aaron
http://www.aarondavidson.com
Reply
9-09-2007 @ 7:32PM
Spitzmaus said...
Must jump in to add my vote for this stuff; it is truly a jam sublime; ethereal, apricot bliss in a jar, a beautiful gift of nature. I grew up in the Santa Clara Valley, back when there were still some orchards full of cherries, plums, and Blenheims. We cut and dried flats of 'cots in the summer courtesy of a local grower. I can still smell the cutting shed, a-buzz with flies and redolent of the sweet, juicy fruit, as the golden halves baked in the hot sun.
Reply
10-11-2007 @ 11:14PM
Natalie said...
Yumm, Blenheim Apricot jam: I just bought a blenheim apricot tree today - my mom used to make apricot jam and mix in just a bit of canned crushed pineapple for a tang - it would make the jam sweet & tart. We just lost her last year but my sister learned how to make it...so will carry on the tradition. The good ole days out on the farm are still and will always be in our hearts: "wintertime with a big bowl of homemade soup & a piece of warm toast with butter & apricot jam"...Yummy! God bless you and have a sweet day.
Reply