Best Fig Preserves Recipes

REAL FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Dissolve the baking soda in about 2 quarts of cool water, and immerse the figs in the treated water in a large bowl. Gently stir to wash the figs, then drain off the water and rinse the figs thoroughly with fresh cool water. Place the figs into a large pot. Add 1 cup water, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Very gently stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar, keeping the figs intact as much as possible.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the figs are golden brown and coated in syrup, about 1 hour. Stir gently a couple of times to keep the figs from burning onto the bottom of the pot. Add a pinch of salt, if desired, to tame the sweetness.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the figs into the hot, sterilized jars and top off with syrup, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 2 days before opening.

FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Wash figs gently in cold water.
• Place in a large bowl, fill with cool water and soak for 20 minutes.
• Make a syrup by boiling the sugar and water together in a large saucepan.
• When syrup is clear and just thick, around 15 minutes add figs and lemon slices.
• Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Boil hard 1 minute.
• Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Carefully pour into a blender and pulse to grind figs and lemon slices.
• You may want to cook down for 10 or 15 more minutes to desired thickness.
• Ladle into clean hot sterile jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

STRAWBERRY FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Mix figs and sugar together in a large saucepan, place over medium heat, and cook, stirring often, until sugar has dissolved. Mix in strawberry gelatin; bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 7 minutes. Mash preserves with a potato masher if desired.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the fig preserves into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

BAKED BRIE WITH FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll the pastry into a 15-inch square on a floured work surface. Use a small plate to cut two 7 1/2-inch circles. Put the circles on the prepared baking sheet. Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out 10 stars from the dough scraps to decorate the top of the pastry. Put on the baking sheet with the pastry circles and chill 15 minutes in the fridge.
• Stir together the fig preserves and thyme in a small bowl.
• To assemble, set the bottom half of the Brie, cut side up, in the center of one of the pastry circles. Spread the fig jam on the Brie and sprinkle with the almonds. Brush the exposed pastry with the egg wash. Top with the other half of the Brie, cut side down. Lay the second pastry circle over and gently press to form it to the sides of the Brie. Fold the bottom circle of dough over, pleating as you go, to form a border.
• Brush the pastry all over with the egg wash. Arrange the cut outs on top of the brie, overlapping only slightly. Brush the cut outs with egg wash. Bake until the pastry is very crisp and deep golden, about 30 minutes.
• Let cool 10 minutes before serving with the baguette and apple slices.

FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Place the orange zest and orange juice in a medium (10-inch) heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Add the sugar, vanilla bean, and figs to the pot. Cover and bring to a full boil over medium heat. (Don't worry; it may look dry.) Stir the mixture and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Lower the heat, and cook uncovered at a full simmer for 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the little bubbles to be throughout the pot, not just at the edges. After 45 minutes, refrigerate a small amount of the liquid to see if it becomes syrupy. It should be like a soft fruit preserve. Keep cooking just until the liquid starts to gel when cold. If the liquid is too firm, add a little orange juice or water, cook for a minute, and test it again until it's right. Depending on how ripe the figs are, they will probably keep their shape, but it's fine if they don't. Discard the vanilla bean and serve or refrigerate.

FIG OR PEAR PRESERVES...THE OLD FASHIONED WAY

Steps:

• 1. Preparing the fruit: *For Figs...wash and slice. Small figs cut in half. Large figs cut into fourths. *For Pears...peel and slice. *Get out a large pot you plan on cooking them in. *Get out a medium size bowl for measuring.
• 2. Measuring: Use the same bowl to measure fruit and sugar. Put into large pot three (3) parts fruit to one (1) part sugar. Be sure to use the pot you're going to be cooking them in. Cover with lid and let stand overnight (not refrigerated) or for 10 to 12 hours to allow the sugar to melt.
• 3. Getting started: Remove lid and stir. Add 3 or 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and stir again. This just makes them a beautiful golden color but it's your choice whether to use it or not. I normally always use it.
• 4. Cooking: Cook on medium-high without the lid. You want a steady rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to bottom of pot. Boil for 1 1/2 hours to 4 hours, depending on amount of fruit you have. A smaller amount won't take as long so use your own judgement.
• 5. Jar them: Laddle them into clean jars and seal tightly. If you want you can turn the jars upside down for 15 minutes then right side up but it's really not necessary. A lot of older people used to do this. (It is not necessary to do a water bath with this recipe). You should hear them "pop" within 30 to 40 minutes. If you have one that doesn't seal, just put it in the fridge.
• 6. Tips: I start checking them after they have cooked for about an hour and a half or so. I put a small amount into a cup and let it get cool to see how runny it is. I keep doing this so I'll know when they're the consistency I want. In the meantime, I put my jars, lids and rings into the dishwasher on the rinse cycle. This way they are sterile. Be sure they are absolutely dry before filling. Also, I always carefully remove the rings before storing. You can reuse the rings but not the lids. Good luck.

FIG PRESERVES CAKE

Steps:

• Combine first 8 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; add oil and eggs, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.
• Add buttermilk and vanilla, beating well.
• Stir in preserves and pecans.
• Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
• Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool in a pan on a wire rack 10 minutes.
• Remove from pan and place on a serving plate.
• Pour buttermilk glaze over cake while both are still warm.
• For Buttermilk Glaze: Bring sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, butter and corn syrup to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Boil 4 minutes, stirring constantly until glaze is golden.
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
• Cool slightly.
• Yield: 1/2 cups.

PHYLLO-WRAPPED BRIE WITH FIG PRESERVES AND TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In 8-inch skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Cook walnuts in butter, stirring frequently, until golden brown; remove from heat.
• Place 1 sheet of phyllo pastry on cutting board; lightly brush with some of the melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top; lightly brush with some of the melted butter. Place remaining sheet of phyllo crosswise over first two sheets; brush lightly with some of the remaining butter.
• Remove paper from cheese; leave rind on. Place cheese round on center of phyllo sheets. Spoon fig preserves and walnuts over cheese. With both hands, lift phyllo stack towards center and twist in center to make bundle (sheets may tear a little). Brush with remaining butter. Place on cookie sheet. If desired, cut shapes from remaining phyllo dough scraps. Place on top of dough; press lightly to secure.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on cookie sheet on wire rack 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers and additional preserves, if desired.

STRAWBERRY FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Combine the figs, sugar and jell-o in a dutch oven.
• Bring to a slow boil over medium to medium-high heat.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning.
• Put in sterlized jars and seal.

FIG PRESERVES (JELLY) STRAWBERRY,GRAPE,PEACH

Steps:

• 1. Prepare your jars...wash figs and cut off stems. Mash with potato masher or put in food processor is what I did.
• 2. Put figs in cooking pot,and add 3 cups of sugar and 1 box of large jello of your choice (strawberry). Stir and cook on medium heat until boiling,constantly stirring.A foam will form but will dissipate.
• 3. Takes about 15-20 min..will turn a deep shade of red and will coat the spoon. As quickly as you can fill your jars and screw down tightly. Immerse jars into boiling water bath making sure the jars are covered,boil for 10-15 min.
• 4. Remove from water and let cool. Approximately 4-6 small jelly jars (8oz jars)

BOURBON-GLAZED COFFEE CAKE WITH FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl and mix well. Add the butter and mix thoroughly with your fingers or a fork until all of the butter has been evenly distributed and incorporated into the flour. Form into small to medium clumps with your fingers.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square cake pan.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.
• Beat together the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour, beating until just incorporated.
• Spoon half of the cake batter (it will be very thick) into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Dollop the fig preserves on top and carefully smooth with the spatula. Spoon the remaining cake batter on top and smooth the top. Sprinkle on the crumb topping.
• Bake until the cake and topping are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool in the pan 20 minutes, then invert onto a plate; invert again onto a rack to cool completely.
• When the cake is cool, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and bourbon in a medium bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cake and let set.

FIG PRESERVES BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Beat together first 3 ingredients.
• In another bowl sift together the next 5 ingredients.
• Add to wet ingredients and stir in fig preserves and pecans.
• Spoon into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. (Mine are 5x9).
• Bake for 55-65 minutes.

SPICED FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Finely chop lemon in processor. Add figs. Using on/off turns, process until figs are coarsely pureed. Transfer mixture to heavy large saucepan. Add 2 1/4 cups sugar, cinnamon stick, 2 1/4 teaspoons minced ginger and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Simmer until mixture thickens to jam consistency and candy thermometer registers 200°F, stirring often, about 20 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick. Divide hot preserves among hot clean jars. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 months.

FIG-RUBY PORT PRESERVES

Steps:

• Bring 1 pound chopped fresh figs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar melts. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until a drop of the mixture sets on a chilled plate, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon each lemon juice and ruby port, and a pinch of pepper. Fill sterilized jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace, then seal and process (see Cook's Note) for 15 minutes. Serve this with goat cheese, prosciutto and crackers.

PEACH AND FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Bring enough water to cover peaches to a boil. Put peaches in the boiling water for just 1 minute or under. Take them out with a slotted spoon and place them in cold water. Peel and slice peaches. Discard peach pits.
• In a large pot place sugar, vanilla pod and the seeds, figs, peaches, with optional cinnamon or ginger, lemon juice, zest and meat of lemon.
• Stir to release juices it will be thick. Simmer over low heat stirring not to burn. Juices will come and when it does raise heat to high stirring most of the time.
• Remove vanilla and cinnamon.
• With an immersion blender blend fruit till chunky smooth.
• Add back the vanilla and cinnamon.
• As mixture thicken, you must stir more frequently to ensure that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
• When it hits a rolling boil for 15 minutes all the time stirring add liquor cook 1 minute.
• To test whether the jam is ready, place a cold metal spoon in the mixture and tilt. The jam should form a single stream.
• Remove and discard bean and cinnamon.
• Pour into sterile jars and process 10 minutes.
• Optional for those that like it smoother without chunks you can blend the figs before adding to sugar or use an immersion blender while cooking.

FRESH FIG PRESERVES WITH RUM

Steps:

• Rinse figs well. Cut off stems and cut each fig in half or quarters, depending on their size.
• Put figs and rum in a large pot over medium-high heat; bring to a light boil. Maintain a light boil and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in sugar, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for exactly 6 minutes.
• Meanwhile, inspect 3 pint-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until fig preserves are ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Remove fig preserves from the heat and distribute evenly into the hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly. Put jars upside down on a clean cloth and leave until completely cool, 3 to 4 hours.
• Store in a cool, dry place with no light.

CHICKEN LIVER PâTé WITH FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• In a large skillet cook the onions in 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderate heat, stirring, until they are softened and transfer them to a food processor. In the skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter over moderately high heat until the foam subsides and in it sauté the chicken livers, patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside but still pink within. Transfer the livers to the food processor. Add the Port to the skillet, bring it to a boil, and deglaze the skillet, scraping up the brown bits, for 1 minute. Add the Port to the food processor with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, softened, the allspice, the lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste, purée the mixture until it is smooth, and force it through a fine sieve into a bowl. Line an oiled 1 1/2-quart terrine or straight-sided dish with plastic wrap and pour the pâté, covered, for 5 hours, or until it is firm. The pâté may be made 4 days in advance and kept covered and chilled. Invert the pâté onto a plate, discarding the plastic wrap, and smooth the top and sides. Spread the preserves on the top and serve the pâté with the toast points or water biscuits.

FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, mix figs and sugar together and cook on low heat, uncovered, about 30 minutes.
• If processing, pour hot preserves mixture into a hot, sterile 1-quart or 2 (1-pint) glass canning jars, filling jar to within 1/8-inch from top; wipe rim and seal jar with lid. Put jar in water-bath canner or on rack set in a deep kettle and cover with hot water by 1 to 2 inches. Bring to a gentle simmer (180 to 185 degrees), and process, covered, 5 minutes. Transfer jar to a rack using tongs and let cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place.

STRAWBERRY FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• 1. Depending on the size of you canner, it may take up to 30+ minutes to get the water ready to can. Get that water going & once it's boiling, sterilize your jars. For a single batch, you should need 2 maybe 3 pints. (This will vary depending on how they cook down.) Get some water boiling in a small pan to sterilize the lids.
• 2. Cut off the stem & dice each fig into quarters or smaller. My mom uses a potato masher on the figs. Mix all ingredients together, stir & bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium.
• 3. Let boil/simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often. (I turn the heat down, so I don't have to stir constantly to keep from sticking or burning.)
• 4. Place a teaspoon of the preserves in a bowl & place in the freezer. Check after a few minutes to see how they are setting up. If the are thickening, you are ready to put them in jars. If not, place a new sample in the freezer to retest.
• 5. Depending on your desired thickness, boil longer for a thicker preserve or shorter for a runny one.
• 6. Pour into sterilized pint jars, filling to the top (leaving the correct air gap if canning). Cover with sterilized lid and place ring on jar. If you are canning, please read up on the correct procedures, but the idea is to place jars in a hot water bath, boil for 10 minutes to force air in the gap from the jar. Once the jar cools, the lack of air in the gap will cause the lip to seal tightly. If jars do not seal, just put them in the refrigerator & enjoy!!!

MAMMA K'S FIG PRESERVES WITH A TWIST

Steps:

• Mix figs, sugar, lemon slices, and strawberry gelatin in a large pot. Let stand for 1 hour. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat, stirring often to prevent burning, until foam has disappeared and the preserves are thickened, 25 to 40 minutes.
• Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the fig preserves into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 2 days before opening.