This Fresh Strawberry Spread is a delightful, low-calorie alternative to traditional jams, perfect for those watching their sugar intake. Made with just ripe strawberries, a touch of lemon juice for brightness, and a hint of artificial sweetener, it captures the true essence of summer berries. The addition of gelatin gives it a unique, light texture that sets beautifully without being overly thick. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast, as a topping for pancakes, or even as a glaze for cheesecakes. Quick to prepare and easy to store, this spread brings a burst of fresh flavor to any meal without the heavy sugar load.
Fresh Strawberry Spread
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Spread is a delightful, low-calorie alternative to traditional jams, perfect for those watching their sugar intake. Made with just ripe strawberries, a touch of lemon juice for brightness, and a hint of artificial sweetener, it captures the true essence of summer berries. The addition of gelatin gives it a unique, light texture that sets beautifully without being overly thick. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for breakfast, as a topping for pancakes, or even as a glaze for cheesecakes. Quick to prepare and easy to store, this spread brings a burst of fresh flavor to any meal without the heavy sugar load.Ingredients
Directions
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Wash the strawberries and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Place the strawberry pieces in a saucepan with the 2 tablespoons of water and lemon juice.
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Partially crush the berries with a spoon or potato masher.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
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Stir and cook rapidly for about 5 minutes until the berries are just cooked and soft.
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Meanwhile, soak the granulated gelatin in the 1/4 cup of cold water for a few minutes to bloom.
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Remove the berry mixture from the heat.
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Add the bloomed gelatin and artificial sweetener to the hot berry mixture.
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Stir vigorously until the gelatin and sweetener are completely dissolved and blended.
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Skim any foam from the surface and discard it.
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Pour the spread into hot, small jars.
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Cover the jars lightly and allow them to cool to room temperature.
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Once completely cooled, cover the jars tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 9.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 3.6mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.4g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.1g
- Protein 2.5g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store the spread in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Substitutions: You can substitute the artificial sweetener with a sugar substitute of your choice, adjusting to taste. Ensure the substitute is heat-stable.
Tip: For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked berries with an immersion blender before adding the gelatin, though some chunkiness is desirable for a rustic spread.
Safety: Ensure jars are hot before pouring in the spread to prevent breakage and help create a good seal if you plan to process them in a water bath, though refrigeration is recommended for this low-acid, low-sugar recipe.
