Best Apricot Jam On A Whim Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

APRICOT JAM



Apricot Jam image

Making jam is one of the best ways to harness the flavor of apricots during their short season, to enjoy during the colder months. In this recipe, we give the fruit's natural pectin a jump-start by macerating the apricots with sugar and lemon before cooking; the acid in the lemons activates the apricot's pectin, reducing the cooking time and preserving more flavor and color. We also added a touch of vanilla to coax out the mellow notes of the fruit and balance the mixture's tartness. Apricot jam tastes great with scones or slathered on rustic bread--or swirled into vanilla ice cream. It's also the classic choice for melting and brushing over pastries and fruit tarts.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     condiment

Time 50m

Yield 3 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 pounds pitted, quartered apricots
1 3/4 cups sugar
Zest of 1 lemon plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (see Cook's Note)

Steps:

  • Toss the apricots, sugar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the apricot juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the apricots to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
  • Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for suggested add-in.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 35 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or a spoon through the jam. If it holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, tightly covered. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

APRICOT JAM ON A WHIM



Apricot Jam On A Whim image

Provided by Kay Rentschler

Categories     brunch, condiments, dips and spreads

Time 15m

Yield About 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered pectin
2 pounds ripe, firm, unblemished apricots, washed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon kirsch (optional)

Steps:

  • Pour sugar into a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, add pectin and blend together with your fingers. Cut each apricot in half lengthwise and remove pit. Cut each half into four pieces, drop into sugar and mash lightly with a fork. Add lemon juice and stir with a rubber spatula to combine. Let sugared fruit stand at room temperature, covered, for one hour. Stir occasionally.
  • Place Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook fruit, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Bring to a full boil and cook, stirring constantly, until apricots are tender, virtually translucent and juices have thickened, 5 or 6 minutes. Skim foam as it rises. Remove jam from heat and stir in kirsch. Cool jam to room temperature then spoon into containers and refrigerate.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

You'll also love

Pecan-Raisin Drop Cookies_image Pecan Raisin Drop Cookies

Tian Provencal With Polenta_image Tian Provencal With Polenta

Rise and Shine Healthy Breakfast Cookies_image Rise and Shine Healthy Breakfast Cookies

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes - Zurich Style Diced Veal_image Zürcher Geschnetzeltes Zurich Style Diced Veal

Kittencal's Best Chinese Fried Rice With Egg_image Kittencal's Best Chinese Fried Rice With Egg

Thai Basil Eggplant_image Thai Basil Eggplant

Reinvented Turkey Leftovers Soup_image Reinvented Turkey Leftovers Soup

3-Bean Baked Beans_image 3 Bean Baked Beans

Chicken and Zucchini Casserole_image Chicken and Zucchini Casserole

Chocolate Almond Butter Buddies_image Chocolate Almond Butter Buddies

Aroma Roast_image Aroma Roast

Miniature Golden Fruitcakes_image Miniature Golden Fruitcakes

Mexican-Style Pulled Chicken_image Mexican Style Pulled Chicken

EASTER NESTS_image EASTER NESTS

Apricot jam on a whim recipes are a simple and delicious way to transform fresh apricots into a sweet, spreadable jam. These recipes are perfect for those who are short on time or simply want to make small batches of jam without the need for special canning equipment. With only a few ingredients and a bit of patience, anyone can create their own homemade apricot jam that will have their taste buds singing with delight.

Why Make Apricot Jam on a Whim?

Apricot jam on a whim recipes are a great option for those who want to try their hand at making jam without committing to large-scale canning projects. These recipes do not require any special equipment or techniques, making them accessible to anyone with a basic kitchen setup. Additionally, making small batches of jam allows for experimentation with flavors and ingredients, making it a fun and creative process.

The Benefits of Homemade Jam

Making your own jam has many benefits beyond the satisfaction of creating something yourself. Homemade jam can be tailored to your preferences, so you can adjust the sweetness, texture, and flavor to your liking. Additionally, homemade jam can be made with fresh, whole ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought jams that are often high in sugar and preservatives.

Ingredients for Apricot Jam on a Whim

To make apricot jam on a whim, you will need fresh apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and water. These simple ingredients can be found at any grocery store and are generally inexpensive. The lemon juice is added to help the apricot jam gel and also adds a bright, acidic note to the flavor.

The Process of Making Apricot Jam

The process of making apricot jam on a whim is straightforward and can be done in a few easy steps. First, the apricots are washed, pitted, and chopped into small pieces. Then, the chopped apricots are combined with sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan and simmered until the mixture thickens and has reached the desired consistency. The jam can then be stored in a jar or container and enjoyed on toast, pastries, or as a topping for ice cream.

Experimenting with Flavors

One of the best things about making apricot jam on a whim is the ability to experiment with flavors and ingredients. For example, adding a bit of cinnamon or ginger to the mixture would give the jam a warm, spicy flavor. Alternatively, adding a splash of almond extract would complement the apricot flavor and add a nutty dimension. Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits, such as cranberries, would also add texture and complexity to the jam.

Conclusion

Apricot jam on a whim recipes are a fun and easy way to make your own homemade jam without the need for special equipment or techniques. With only a few ingredients, anyone can create a delicious spreadable jam that can be enjoyed on toast, pastries, or as a topping for ice cream. The ability to experiment with flavors and ingredients makes this process a creative and rewarding one. So next time you have some fresh apricots on hand, give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet taste of homemade jam.
Making homemade apricot jam on a whim is an easy way to enjoy the deliciousness of apricots all year round. Whether you have a surplus of ripe apricots or just want to try something new in the kitchen, making apricot jam can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some valuable tips to consider when making apricot jam on a whim.

1. Choosing the Right Apricots

Choosing the right apricots is essential to making a delicious apricot jam. Look for ripe, fragrant apricots that are slightly firm to the touch. Soft or overripe apricots may not make good jam and can result in a mushy or unappetizing texture. Additionally, apricots that are too tart may require more sugar or other ingredients to balance out their flavor. So, try to choose apricots that are naturally sweet and flavorful.

2. Essential Jam Making Ingredients

To make a good quality apricot jam, there are some essential ingredients you’ll need. Sugar is the main ingredient that helps to thicken and preserve the jam. Lemon juice or citric acid is also used to balance the sweetness and acidity of the jam. Pectin is a natural substance found in many fruits that helps to thicken the jam. However, apricots contain low levels of pectin, so it is recommended to add commercial pectin to get a thick and spreadable jam.

3. The Right Time to Make Apricot Jam

Timing is crucial when making apricot jam. Apricots peak in the summer months, so it's the best time to make apricot jam when the fruit is ripe and plentiful. Jam made from ripe apricots will have an intense flavor and aroma that will make it a great addition to breakfast toast or dessert.

4. Equipment Needed

Having the right equipment is essential when making apricot jam. A large, heavy-bottomed pot is a must-have, as it conducts heat evenly and prevents scorching. A long-handled wooden spoon is also necessary for stirring the jam. A candy thermometer is useful for checking the temperature of the jam, and a ladle and jars with tight-fitting lids are great for storing the jam.

5. Sterilizing the Jars

Before jarring your apricot jam, make sure your jars are clean and sterile. This can be done by running them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher, boiling them in water for a few minutes, or placing them in the oven on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes. Sterilization is important to prevent bacteria growth, which can spoil your jam.

6. Thicken Your Apricot Jam

Getting the right thickness is essential to making apricot jam. Apricots have low levels of natural pectin, making it difficult to achieve a thick and spreadable jam without commercial pectin. To use commercial pectin, add it to the jam mixture during the rapid boil phase and cook for an additional minute. Testing the jam’s thickness can be done with a cold spoon test. Dip a spoon into the jam and hold it vertically. If the jam runs off the spoon, it's not thick enough. If it holds its shape, the jam is ready to be bottled.

7. Perk Up Your Flavor

To enhance the flavor of your apricot jam, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger. Adding a little vanilla extract or almond extract can give the jam a unique and delicious taste. If you like, add some fresh herbs like thyme or lavender to your apricot jam to create a flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

8. Cooking the Jam

To cook apricot jam, bring your fruit, sugar, lemon juice, and any additional ingredients you may have chosen to a rapid boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface, stir the mixture continuously, and adjust the heat to prevent scorching. When the jam reaches the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and quickly jar the mixture. Keep in mind that overcooking can result in a burnt taste, so be careful not to overcook your jam.

Conclusion

Making homemade apricot jam is an excellent way to enjoy the rich and delicious taste of ripe apricots all year round. By following these valuable tips, you can create a perfect apricot jam to spread on your morning toast, top your pancake stack, or use as a filling for desserts. So, why not give it a try? Once you’ve mastered the art of making apricot jam on a whim, you’ll never go back to store-bought varieties again!

Related Topics