Over the Top Cherry Jam is a delectable fruit preserve bursting with the rich flavors of fresh tart cherries. This delightful jam recipe has a fascinating history, with roots in the old-world tradition of preserving fruits during the peak harvest season to enjoy their goodness all year round. The name “Over the Top” comes from the jam’s intense cherry flavor that goes beyond the ordinary, making it stand out as an exceptional and indulgent treat.

The story of Over the Top Cherry Jam dates back to the early 20th century when canning and preserving were essential practices to preserve the abundance of seasonal fruits for the long winter months. In rural communities and farmsteads, families would gather together during cherry season to harvest the fresh, tart cherries that grew abundantly in the region. To make the most of this precious harvest, they developed recipes for cherry preserves that would capture the fruit’s natural sweetness and tanginess.

One family, in particular, the Martins, who owned a cherry orchard on their farm, perfected this cherry jam recipe and named it “Over the Top” to signify the richness and intensity of flavor that exceeded ordinary fruit preserves. The recipe quickly became a cherished tradition in the Martin family, and every summer, they would host a jam-making gathering, inviting friends and neighbors to join in the fun of pitting cherries and preserving the fruit together.

As the years went by, the reputation of Over the Top Cherry Jam spread beyond the small farming community. The Martins started selling jars of their delicious jam at local markets, and soon enough, word of this exceptional cherry preserve reached nearby towns and cities. Today, the recipe has been passed down through several generations of the Martin family and has become a beloved favorite among jam enthusiasts and cherry lovers alike.

PREP: 35 MIN.

PROCESS: 5 MIN.

MAKES: 6 HALF-PINTS

INGREDIENTS

• 2½ pounds fresh tart cherries, pitted
• 1 package (1¾ ounces) powdered fruit pectin
• ½ teaspoon butter
• 4¾ cups sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, cover and process cherries in batches until finely chopped.
2. Transfer the chopped cherries to a Dutch oven; stir in the pectin and butter.
3. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from the heat; skim off the foam.
6. Ladle the hot mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼-in. headspace.
7. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids.
8. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

NOTES:

• This Over the Top Cherry Jam captures the essence of fresh tart cherries at their peak, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Enjoy this delightful jam spread on toast, mixed into yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes and ice cream. Whether you’re preserving the flavors of summer or indulging in a taste of tradition, this cherry jam is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household as well.