Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jalapeno Jam: Holy Cats, This is Delicious!

Before my body decided that gluten and wheat were poison, I was a bread baker extraordinaire.  Almost weekly I’d make homemade sourdough bread, cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, etc. Because our kitchen was like a bakery, we always had at least 6 different jams, jellies, and preserves on hand at all times.

Having to eat gluten free turned my kitchen bakery on its head, but you can still find the same number of jams, jellies, and preserves – after all, gluten free bread, cornbread, and peanut butter sandwiches still call for spreads.

I honestly think I’m even more obsessed with them now than I was then – after all, when fate gives you a list of things you can no longer enjoy, you cling for dear life to the ones that remain!

My favorite jams are raspberry, plum, cherry, strawberry, peach, and blackberry – I guess because I’m obsessed with the fruits they come from. Raspberry and Plum (my two absolute faves) can be tough to find, so whenever I’m standing before a selection of jams and jellies, I look for them first. Finding either is akin to Christmas morning because they are tough to find.

Recently, my husband and I were at the 1850’s Homeplace in the Land Between the Lake for a Civil War presentation.  Each visit to the Homeplace begins the same for me – with a browse through the food and gift shop. I always find at least one thing I positively must have and this particular trip was no exception.

The beautiful little jar of Raspberry Jalapeno Jam jumped off the shelf at me – it was literally the first thing I saw and I grabbed it immediately.

Why waste time, right?

I thought about it the entire ride home – wondering if I’d make cornbread for its grand debut in my kitchen or if it called for gluten free biscuits.

When the next morning came, I decided I couldn’t wait any longer, so I grabbed a slice of Kroger brand Gluten Free 7 Grain Bread* (AMAZING BREAD!), buttered him up and threw some Raspberry Jalapeno jam on top.

It was even better than I was expecting. It was phenomenal! The beautiful sweetness of the raspberries and the perfect amount of heat from the jalapenos made beautiful music together.  There’s an unmistakable jalapeno presence, but it in no way overpowers the jam. This jam couldn’t be more perfect if it had to be.

I’ve kicked myself repeatedly for not grabbing 3, 6, 12, or 103 jars while I was there.

Fortunately we’re frequent visitors to the Land Between the Lakes and I know exactly where I can find another jar. Or 3, 6, 12, or 103.

Next time you’re in the Land Between the Lakes region, search out the Land Between the Lakes jams and (assuming I’ve left any) make sure to grab a jar of the Raspberry Jalapeno Jam. If I’ve left enough, I’m anxious to try it on cornbread sometime this week.

I wish I’d looked at the other flavors as well but I got so excited when I saw the Raspberry Jalapeno Jam I forgot myself. If the other flavors are even half as good as this one, I may have to take a suitcase with me each time I go to the LBL!

Fortunately, they’re very reasonably priced, so I won’t break the bank.

* If you have to/choose to/get to eat gluten free, you will want to try the Kroger brand gluten free sandwich breads – they have white bread and a 7 Grain bread. They’re both delicious and are easily the best gluten free bread you can buy. Unlike most gluten free bread, they’re soft and don’t fall apart when you try to fold or eat them. They’re located in the bread aisle and they are a perfect 10 out of 10.