Why shy away from jams?

I didn't can the damson jam.

Jams from a pint or three of fruit are going to be used before they can spoil, in my house. A hot water bath is a pretty easy process, and home made jams can make amazing gifts.

If I don't have time or inclination to can the jam, I'll freeze it -- often in the decorative half pint jars, just remembering to tell the recipient it needs to be used in the next month or so.

It's not like when I was young and you felt you "only" had a jar of homemade jam to take as a hospitality gift. Now it's a big deal.

Making jam is easy. Just give the gift, and tell your friends it's *fresh*, and they have to use it soon. They'll think it's all the more special than the stuff they buy in the store.

Easy as pie, jam is...