Mash Bananas: Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a medium bowl. Aim for a rustic texture, leaving some chunks for delightful bursts of banana goodness in your jam.

Mix Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, dark brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, optional cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed, ensuring every ingredient gets to know the bananas!

Cook Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture bubbles gently. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25–30 minutes. You'll notice the jam thickening—a beautiful transformation!

Add Rum: Stir in the dark rum and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the rum infuses its warm, rich flavor into the blend.

Test Consistency: Take a chilled plate and drop a spoonful of jam onto it. Let it sit for a moment; if it holds together nicely, it’s ready! If not, simmer a bit longer to achieve that perfect spreadable texture.

Cool and Jar: Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Seal them tight and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, if you can resist devouring it all at once!