Homemade Slow Cooker Apricot Preserves

Crock Pot Apricot Preserves Recipe

Overview:

This Crock Pot Apricot Preserves recipe promises a delightful burst of fruity goodness, perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or even using as a glaze for meats. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal project for lazy summer days when you want to make something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
• Yield: Approximately 4 1/2 cups of preserves

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh apricots
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 3 1/2 cups water

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 544.7
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 13.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 141.1g
• Fiber: 7.4g
• Sugar: 131.7g
• Protein: 3.4g

Recipe Attributes:

• Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Easy

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apricots:

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   • Start by washing and halving the apricots, removing the pits. In a food processor, finely chop the apricots until they are broken down into small pieces.

2. Cooking in the Crock Pot:

   • Transfer the chopped apricots into the crock pot. Add the sugar and water, stirring well to combine.

3. Initial Cooking Phase:

   • Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking and sugar distribution.

4. Thickening Stage:

   • After 2 1/2 hours, uncover the crock pot and continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 2 hours. Stir occasionally during this stage to prevent sticking and ensure the preserves are thickening properly.

5. Testing for Doneness:

   • To check if the preserves are ready, take a small amount on a chilled plate and tilt the plate. The preserves should stay in place without being runny.

6. Canning or Refrigeration:

   • Once thickened to your liking, ladle the hot preserves into clean, hot jam jars. Seal the jars tightly.

7. Water Bath Processing (Optional):

   • For longer preservation, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps create a vacuum seal, extending the shelf life of the preserves.

8. Storage:

   • Alternatively, if you prefer shorter-term storage, simply refrigerate the preserves for up to 3 weeks.

Tips:

• Choosing Apricots: Select ripe but firm apricots for the best flavor and texture in your preserves.
• Consistency: Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, even texture.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste and the sweetness of the apricots, you can adjust the amount of sugar slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

Spread these delightful apricot preserves on freshly baked bread, swirl into yogurt or oatmeal, or use as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift when presented in nicely labeled jars.

This recipe not only offers convenience but also captures the essence of summer in a jar, preserving the natural sweetness of apricots for you to enjoy throughout the year. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this easy crock pot method ensures delicious results every time.