Sure! Let’s dive into the delightful world of making Apricot-Almond Conserve! 🍑🌰 This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and zesty lemon juice, creating a preserve that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
Apricot-Almond Conserve
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: Approximately 6 1/2 pint jars
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds ripe apricots
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
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Prepare the Apricots:
- Start by washing the apricots thoroughly under running water. Then, peel and pit them, ensuring to remove any blemishes. Once prepared, chop the apricots into small pieces, aiming for approximately 4 1/2 cups.
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Simmer the Apricots:
- In a large 8-10 quart kettle, combine the chopped apricots with 1/3 cup of water. Place the kettle over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the kettle, and allow the apricots to simmer for 5-10 minutes or until they become tender. Remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking or scorching.
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Add the Sweetness:
- Once the apricots are tender, it’s time to add the sweetness. Stir in 3 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon of almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves into the mixture.
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Bring to a Boil:
- Turn up the heat slightly and bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil. Keep a close eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Cook to Perfection:
- Allow the mixture to boil for approximately 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired jam consistency. Stir constantly during this process to ensure even cooking and to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the kettle.
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Skim off Foam:
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Quickly skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface using a metal spoon. This step helps to give your conserve a smooth and glossy finish.
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Jar it Up:
- Ladle the hot conserve into clean, sterile jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue.
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Seal and Process:
- Place the lids on the jars and screw them on tightly. Then, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. This step helps to seal the jars and preserve the conserve for long-term storage.
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Cool and Enjoy:
- Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using tongs and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place until ready to enjoy.
Now, sit back, relax, and savor the fruits of your labor with a slice of freshly baked bread or a warm scone. This Apricot-Almond Conserve is perfect for spreading on toast, topping yogurt or oatmeal, or even as a filling for pastries and cakes. Get creative with how you enjoy it, and don’t forget to share the love by gifting jars to your friends and family! 🎁✨
