It's the 1st of January 2025

~ Hello January 2025 ~

~ Happy New Year Wishes ~

In previous years regular readers will know I usually start each month with facts about the coming month ahead. This year however, a break with tradition, which I hope you will enjoy. The first of each month will feature a lower carb recipe starting with the first letter of that particular month ... so here we go as it's January!

J is for ? can you guess ? It's tasty and comes in many flavours, but strawberry is the most popular one in both the UK and the US, and perhaps where you live too.

Yes, I am talking about Jam !

Spread on toast, swirled into yogurt, filling delectable pastries, sponges, cookies or biscuits. Jam adds a natural fruity sweetness to so many meals and snacks.

Of course if you are diabetic (or pre-diabetic) sugary jam is not ideal, nor is toast which often uses a higher carb bread, both of these can raise blood sugar levels which is best avoided. However, fear not, there are many lower carb recipes to choose from that do not raise blood sugar to unwanted levels. You can find some within this blog or on the wider worldwide web! 

Lower Carb Jam

All you need is quality fruit, which you simmer gently until enough liquid has evaporated. Then you add a bit of extra sweetness such as erythritol, stevia or Swerve (if necessary) and a little bit of thickener such as chia seeds, gelatine or xanthan gum (if necessary). That's it!

Here is What You Need

400 g / 14 oz strawberries, diced *
2 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon chia seeds ground
1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
1 tablespoon powdered sweetener optional

* 400g (14.2oz) of strawberries made 200g (6.7oz / scant cup - a scant cup is usually two tablespoons less than a full cup) of jam.

This is What You Do

1. Chop the strawberries and place them in a saucepan together with the water.
2. Bring to the boil (lid on), then turn down the heat medium and let it bubble away for 15 minutes. Only add the lemon juice if you want to store the jam for longer than 1 week - it prevents the growth of bacteria.
3. Mash the strawberries with a potato masher (or with a fork), then continue to cook on low-medium for another 30 minutes until reduced by half. You want it to bubble peacefully. Bubbles will become smaller as the liquid evaporates. Stir regularly with a spatula to prevent the jam from burning. Towards the end of cooking, stir constantly.
4. Taste. If necessary, sweeten with 1 tablespoon of powdered sweetener for example erythritol.
5. Add the ground chia seeds and stir. Cool and fill into a sterilised jar. Store in the fridge.

The above and lots more to read here

Some lower carb bread suggestions can be seen here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan