Description
Drunken Monkey Jam is a luscious homemade banana jam infused with dark rum and warming spices. This unique jam combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla, creating a rich and flavorful spread perfect for toast, desserts, or cheese boards. Cooking the mixture slowly on the stovetop ensures a thick, glossy consistency that sets beautifully without pectin.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no large chunks.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the mashed bananas, dark rum, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Dissolve Sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture consistently with a wooden spoon until the sugar has completely dissolved into the liquid.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Cook Jam: Stir frequently and let the jam cook for about 20-30 minutes. The jam will reduce and become thick and glossy as excess water evaporates.
- Check Consistency: Test the jam’s readiness by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, the jam is set; if not, continue simmering a few more minutes and recheck.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the jam to cool briefly; this helps it thicken further before storage.
- Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving approximately 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a good seal, then close the jars with sterilized lids.
- Store Properly: Let the jars cool at room temperature completely. Once cooled, store them in the refrigerator. The jam can be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to one month.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and best texture.
- Dark rum adds depth and a subtle warmth; substitute with rum extract if preferred for less alcohol.
- Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before filling to maximize shelf life.
- This jam does not use commercial pectin; cooking time is essential to achieve the desired thickness.
- Store refrigerated and use within one month for optimal freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Jam & Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American