Fresh Peach Freezer Jam (easy)

How to use fresh peaches: The abundance of beautiful, ripe peaches filling tree branches and being sold at road-side stands is definitely one of my favorite things about September.  I just can't resist peaches!  And why would I want to?  

My husband knows how much I adore peaches, so every year he brings me home a 20 pound box of them.  He knows that I will be thrilled, AND that he will be the recipient of many peach cobblers, peach smoothies, peach pies, and one of our favorites: PEACH FREEZER JAM.

This jam is quick and easy to prepare, and goes wonderfully over pancakes, waffles, french toast, yogurt, or ice cream.  

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds fresh, ripe peaches
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sugar
5 tablespoons instant pectin

Peel peaches and remove pits.  Coarsely chop, then place in food processor and pulse until you have a puree.  Puree the peaches to the level of "chunkiness" or "smoothness" you like your jam.  You can also puree your peaches with a potato masher, for different jam texture.  You should end up with 3 1/2 cups puree.

Pour the puree into a large bowl.  Add lemon juice, vanilla, and sugar.  Stir until dissolved. Gradually whisk in pectin, avoiding lumps.  

Spoon the jam into clean jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the jar.  Allow the jam to thicken at room temperature for 24 hours.  Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year. Enjoy!

Yield: 4 8-oz jars