If you’re like most people, jam may only show up for you on the occasional PB&J, or on a thick slice of breakfast toast or biscuit. But like many ingredients, jam offers a lot more versatility than it gets credit for.

One of our favorites by far is this bottom-of-the-jam jar vinaigrette. Not only does it make use of every last drop of jammy goodness, but it’s a great easy way to add new flavors to even the simplest of salads and greens.

 

Bottom of the Jar Vinaigrette

• 1 rounded tablespoon of IG Jam – scrape the bottom of the jar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon or spicy mustard
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Use with:

• 8 cups chopped greens and any vegetables
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. To the bottom of an almost-empty jam jar, add the other ingredients and shake to combine. Or, whisk together all the ingredients in a salad bowl, streaming in the EVOO.
2. Toss with lettuce and vegetables and season with salt and pepper.

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Need some more fun jam ideas? Give these a try:

 

•  Add some to a pan sauce for meat – It not only helps thicken it, it adds sweetness and flavor. Try stone fruit jam like our plum jam with red wine as a pan sauce for steak or pork chops.

 

• Whip up the ultimate grilled cheese – Jam + melted cheese + golden, toasted bread. (It’s the jam that makes it ultimate.) Staff favorite: our own IG strawberry onion bacon jam

 

• Top your pancakes – Turn jam into syrup instantly by boiling it with a bit of water. (Sayonara, maple syrup!)

 

• Serve it alongside cheese – Oh you thought your cheese plates were already fancy? You haven’t even seen fancy until you’ve put a cute jar of jam on the plate.

 

• Make flavored chocolate – Stir a spoonful of jam into warm ganache and pour it over cakes. Or refrigerate until firm and use it as a filling for French macarons.

 

• Make better biscuits – Instead of slathering your biscuits with jam, bake jam right into the biscuit.

 

• Make your own fruit-flavored yogurt – Spoon some jam into a bowl. Top with plain yogurt. Call it fruit-on-the-bottom.

 

• Bake up some Brie, and top it with your favorite jam – The best part is, you can use any jam for this, fruity and sweet, a savory caramelized onion jam, or if you’re into it, try a jam with a little kick to it. Any option goes well with the warm brie and some slices of fresh crusty bread.

 

• Spruce up a nice cocktail -Jam is a wonderful addition to your bar. Similar to flavored syrups, but with more body. Try some raspberry jam, vodka, Club soda and a lemon slice for a super refreshing summer cocktail.

 

• Top off some vanilla ice cream – need we say more?

 

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Tag us in your creations! We’d love to see what you come up with. Share you jam dishes with us by tagging @IntelligentGourmet on Instagram and Facebook.