Gemini Jams is a company inspired by family and built on hard work. They artfully prepare each jar of jam by hand using produce from local farmers whenever possible. Their traditional and ultramodern flavors are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How did you get started?
“It’s been said that everything is born from an idea; a simple thought that, on any other day could have easily been discounted as unrealistic, insane, or just plain stupid,” said Amanda. “But, during a spring vacation in the North Georgia Mountains, the light bulb that went off in my head only grew brighter. JAM: One word, three letters, and a whole lot of history.
In my 26 short years, I have made some big decisions that were based on others’ expectations and desires. A hard lesson to learn, but one worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears, once internalized: Live life for you, it may be the only one you get and it’s both too short and too long to suffer through. So, I thought it was time to make a decision for me, grab life by the ‘berries’ and take a chance. Thus, an idea was born and I began building a business. I found a commercial kitchen to rent, started experimenting with flavors, and jumping through a few hoops to get all the red tape taken care of. Then, I was able to begin sharing jam with Atlanta and I have enjoyed every second since.”
What makes your products unique?
“In a word? Flavor!” explained Amanda. “I spend many hours researching and brainstorming flavor combinations. Our most popular flavors this summer have been blueberry sage, balsamic grape, apple pie, raspberry thyme and pineapple habanero. The herbs are harvested from my own garden, planted with the help of my daughter. I love the infinite flavor possibilities that inspire creativity and hours of fun. There are no rules, no mistakes, and no limits in my kitchen; It’s an exciting place where the art of jam is redefined to fit 21st century taste buds.”
“People often inquire about how I develop flavors, and the answer is comprised of many parts. Honestly, a lot of the flavor combinations I use seem pretty obvious and natural to me, but my friends and family are a great resource of candid thoughts. I have also brainstormed with various professionals including bar manager Paul Calvert of Sound table who inspired the creation of pineapple habanero jam for use in his rum-based beverage, The Gemini Handshake.”
“Additionally, I buy local produce whenever possible to support local farmers and utilize services and materials provided by other local small business owners. My aim is to form many more lasting relationships with professionals that share my passion for great food and the local economy.”
Tell us what a typical day looks like for you.
“No two days are alike, which works quite well for me,” explains Amanda. “Truthfully, my day is mostly centered on my 3-year-old daughter, Ansley; which is admittedly a difficult juggling act to perform, as any single, working mother can attest. Each day we wake up early, make breakfast, check email, schedule meetings, make to-do lists, label jars, decorate bags, brainstorm business ideas, blog, etc. We try to have a fun outing each week to the aquarium, zoo or museum in town. Mondays are my kitchen day, so I beg a generous friend or family member to babysit and I spend the afternoon and most of the night in the kitchen making jam. Tuesday afternoons are spent selling jam at the inTown Market on Ponce. Wednesday and Thursday evenings I conduct meetings and make deliveries. Fridays I prepare for the Chamblee Farmers Market. Saturday nights are a fun time to cook and play in the kitchen at home with friends and family. And, on Sundays I make sure I have everything I need to start all over in the Irwin Street Market kitchen again on Monday. Sleep is rare and so is my long lost pool-time!”
Why did you want to be a part of the Chamblee Farmers Market?
“Well, I was born and raised in Brookhaven and Chamblee,” said Amanda “so it feels like home. I have been here 26 years and seen many changes for the better (of which the Chamblee Farmers Market ranks high). I feel that if I can be a part of those positive changes, and make our community an even better place for my daughter to live, then I have done my job well.”
Favorite Recipes using Gemini Jams
Amanda enjoys a Jammin BLT with crisp summer green tomatoes that she slices thin, dredges in flour, dips Using butter to pan fry them until golden, she then smears the top with goat cheese and bakes until the cheese is a pile of melty-gooey-goodness. After removing them from the oven, she drizzles each slice with red pepper jam and eats sandwich-style on fresh toasted bread (Bernhard’s is the best) with lettuce and crispy prosciutto. The contrast of textures and the sweet & savory flavor make it irresistible.
