Apricot and Brandy Jam
Description: 🍑 This is a very yummy apricot jam, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese, and it makes a lovely gift too. It is not difficult to make, but does take a bit of time. Since dried apricots are used instead of fresh ones, it is a good “snowy day” recipe, bringing warmth and sweetness to your kitchen.
CookTime: 40 minutes
PrepTime: 12 hours
TotalTime: 12 hours 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Sauces
Keywords: 🍽️🍇🥂 Fruit, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Canning, Stove Top, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 594.9
- Fat Content: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 12.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 142.8g
- Fiber Content: 7.4g
- Sugar Content: 133.7g
- Protein Content: 3.4g
Yield: 3 Half Pint Jars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried apricots
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 orange (peel and juice)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons brandy or cognac
Instructions:
-
Prepare Apricots: 🕒 In a bowl, combine dried apricots and water. Cover and let stand overnight, or until soft and well plumped (about 12 hours).
-
Cook Apricots: 🍊🍲 Transfer the soaked apricots and their soaking water to a saucepan. Add the peel and juice of one orange. Simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat.
-
Add Sugar: 🍬 Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
-
Thicken Mixture: 🥄 Continue to boil gently, stirring often, until the mixture is thick and shiny, and begins to clear the sides of the pan when stirred. This may take about 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary.
-
Maintain Texture: 🔥 While the mixture thickens, be sure to stir it continually but gently, ensuring that the fruit does not burn or get squashed. It’s important not to cook the mixture down to a puree; it should retain good-sized bits of apricot for texture and visual appeal.
-
Add Flavor: 🥃 Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat and stir in the almond extract and brandy or cognac. These additions will enhance the flavor profile of the jam, giving it a delightful aroma and depth of taste.
-
Jar the Jam: 🍯 Ladle the hot jam into 3 half-pint canning jars, prepared in the usual manner. Ensure the jars and lids are sterilized before use to maintain the freshness and safety of the jam.
-
Seal and Cool: 🧊 Seal the jars with sterilized two-piece screw-on lids. Allow the jam to cool at room temperature before storing in a cool, dark place.
-
Mellow Before Serving: ⏳ Cool the jars completely and let the jam mellow for several weeks or more before serving. This aging process allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
-
Enjoy: 🎉 Spread this delectable apricot and brandy jam on toast, scones, or crackers, or use it as a filling for pastries and cakes. Share it with friends and family as a thoughtful homemade gift, or savor it yourself as a delightful indulgence any time of day.
