Apricot Lemon Verbena Jam Food

APRICOT JAM WITH LEMON BALM

Steps:

• Measure apricots after preparation; you should have 5 cups prepared fruit.
• Combine apricots, sugar, and lemon juice in a large plastic or glass bowl; mix well. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
• Inspect 7 to 9 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Transfer apricot mixture and all of the accumulated juice to a large saucepan. Stir in pectin and slowly bring to a full rolling boil that does not stop bubbling when stirred. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Skim off any foam with a ladle or a large spoon.
• Remove from heat and stir in lemon balm leaves.
• Ladle apricot jam immediately into the prepared 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 spills. Top with lids and tightly 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 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

APRICOT JAM

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 SALSA WITH LEMON VERBENA

Steps:

• Roast jalapenos and scallions over the flame of a gas burner, turning with tongs, until lightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes. (Or roast under broiler, turning as needed.)
• Place fruit in a bowl. Halve jalapenos; remove and discard ribs and seeds. Finely chop jalapenos and scallions and add to bowl. Stir in ginger, sugar, salt, lemon verbena, and onion. Serve, with tortilla wedges.

APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Mix apricots and lemon juice in a large pot; add sugar. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook and stir until apricot mixture thickens, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary.
• Meanwhile, prepare jars, lids, and rings by cleaning and sterilizing in dishwasher or boiling water bath. Leave lids in simmering water until ready to seal jars.
• Ladle hot jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space on 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, 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.

APRICOT - LEMON JAM

Steps:

• Don't worry about the skin, which disappears in the course of cooking.
• Bring to a boil, lower heat, and cook until the mixture turns a bit darker and looks like jam when you let it dribble off a spoon (about 45 to 60 minutes.).
• Stir it frequently enough that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
• You can skim off the lighter colored stuff that rises to the top if you want, otherwise it seems to just disappear after a while.
• Wash and can according to canner instructions.
• Or, keeps well in refrigerator only, about 2-3 months, or in freezer, up to 12 months.