Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam with Basil

1. Inspect four 4-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.

2. Place strawberries in a large bowl and crush with a potato masher. Transfer to a 4-cup liquid measure and add enough rhubarb to reach the 4-cup mark.

3. Pour fruit mixture into a large, heavy pot and sprinkle citric acid over top. Stir sugar and butter into the fruit mixture. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Mix in pectin and return to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, then turn off heat and skim off any foam. Quickly mix in chopped basil until fully incorporated.

4. Ladle jam into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.

5. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.

6. Remove the jars from the stockpot and let sit 8 hours to overnight to completely seal; you should hear popping sounds as each jar seals. When completely cool, the middle of each lid should be sunken inward and should not spring back when touched.

Cook's Note:

You can play with the quantities of each fruit by up to 1/4 cup, as long as you reach 4 cups fruit.