Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups Ripe Bananas, mashed or finely sliced
- 1 cup Crushed Pineapple, drained (reserve 1/4 cup of juice if available)
- 3 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Dark Rum Extract (such as spiced or aged rum extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar is evenly distributed, and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to macerate and draw out juices.
- Step 2: Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once boiling, increase the heat slightly and allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, particularly toward the bottom of the pot. Cook until the jam thickens significantly and reaches the setting point (approximately 220°F or when a small dollop placed on a frozen plate wrinkles when pushed).
- Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully stir in the Dark Pineapple Juice With Almond Extract and Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the alcohol and flavorings. Skim off any residual foam from the surface of the jam using a slotted spoon.
- Step 5: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized half-pint or pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, secure the lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal and shelf stability.
Notes
- Keep sealed jars of this tropical preserve tucked away in a cool, dark pantry for long-term enjoyment, but remember to refrigerate immediately after opening.
- If you want to use the jam as a warm sauce for desserts, gently heat small amounts in a microwave-safe bowl for just 10-15 seconds until slightly runny, but avoid overheating to preserve the delicate rum extract notes.
- Try pairing this robust pineapple juice with almond extract-infused jam with savory dishes; it makes an excellent, unexpected glaze for roasted smoked turkey or grilled chicken skewers.
- To ensure the best pineapple juice with almond extract flavor, always stir in the extract and vanilla *after* the pot is off the heat, and pay extra attention to frequent stirring during the cook phase to prevent the thick banana mixture from scorching on the bottom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American