Jam Jams
| Type | Cookie |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Canada |
| Region or state | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Created by | Purity Factories |
| Serving temperature | Room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Molasses, brown sugar, jam |
| Part of a series on |
| Canadian cuisine |
|---|
 |
 Food portal |
A Jam Jam is a Canadian sandwich cookie that originated in eastern Canada. Each cookie consists of two soft wafers made with either molasses or brown sugar, sandwiched together with jam filling.[1] While enjoyed throughout Canada, they are particularly iconic in Newfoundland and Labrador, where they have become embedded in local culture.[2]
Description
[edit]Traditional Jam Jams are made with either molasses (especially popular in Atlantic provinces) or brown sugar.[1] The cookies have a cakey texture and are filled with various jams, including raspberry, partridgeberry (lingonberry), bakeapple (cloudberry), or apple. The commercial version produced by Purity Factories uses an apple-based filling.[1] Regional variations exist in both recipe and appearance, with some versions featuring a decorative hole in the top cookie to showcase the jam filling.[3]
History
[edit]Jam Jams first appeared in Canadian community cookbooks during the 1930s, with early recipes found in both the Winnipeg Public Schools Home Economics cookbook and the Stayner Sun in Ontario.[1] The cookies gained widespread popularity in the 1950s when Purity Factories of St. John's, Newfoundland began mass-producing them at their new Blackmarsh Road facility.[4]
Cultural Impact
[edit]Jam Jams hold particular significance in Newfoundland culture, where they are a part of traditional tea time gatherings.[2] They remain one of Purity's best-selling products, alongside their Ginger Snaps, Cream Crackers, and Hard Bread.[5] Today, Jam Jams are a staple at bake sales, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations throughout eastern Canada.[1] While Purity's commercial version is now distributed across Canada and the United States[4], many families continue to make their own versions using recipes passed down through generations.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Gabby Peyton. "In a Jam(Jam): The History of Jam Jams in Canada". Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ a b c Jackie Kai Ellis (2016-10-18). "Wandering Gourmand: Homing in on Newfoundland and Labrador's identity". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ Byron Thomas (2018-12-11). "Homemade Newfoundland Jam Jams".
- ^ a b Alexander Chafe (2022-12-02). "Nobs, Snaps & Jam(Jam)s: Purity approaches 100 years". Atlantic Business Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ Kaitlynn Nordal (2021-09-08). "'Comfort foods' like those from Purity and Newfoundland Chocolate Company can't be beat". SaltWire. Retrieved 2024-11-18.