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]
 | |
| 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 |
Description
editTraditional 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
editJam 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
editJam 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 (23 January 2023). "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.