Cranberry Fig Jam Food

CRANBERRY FIG JAM

Steps:

• Combine the cranberries, figs, sugar, lemon peel and water in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and simmer the jam until thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Discard the lemon peel and allow the jam to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 month.

THANKSGIVING CRANBERRY FIG JAM

Steps:

• Zest orange and rough chop meat discard pith, place it and all the ingredients except one cup of cranberries in a heavy bottom pot over low flame.
• Stir to release juices it will be thick. Stirring not to burn. Juices will come and when it does raise heat to high stirring most of the time. At this time remove the vanilla bean.
• Using the immersion blender to puree some of the fruit leaving some chucks. Then add the other cup of cranberries.
• When it hits a rolling boil for 15 minutes all the time stirring.
• Pour into sterile jars leaving 1/2 inch head space and process 10 minutes.
• turn flame off and remove lid. Time 5 more minutes. Remove jars holding upright. Cool in draft free spot overnight. Label and use with in 1 year if unopened. Opened store in refrigerator.

SPICED CRANBERRY JAM

Steps:

• Add vinegar and water to cranberries and cook until soft.
• Put cooked cranberries through a course strainer or Food Mill.
• Add all the spices and the sugar into the cooked cranberries.
• Follow cooking directions on the certo for jellies Put into sterilized small jars and cover with wax or seal with vacumn lids.

CRANBERRY ORANGE JAM

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a large stainless or enamel pot. Slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 20-30 minutes.
• Mash with a potato masher to break up fruit, leaving some chunks, but not whole berries.
• Ladle into clean hot jars and seal. Process for 10 minutes at altitudes up to 1000 feet.

FIG JAM

Steps:

• Add figs, honey, and lemon juice to medium size saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, lower heat and cook until thick; approximately 1 hour, stirring frequently.
• Add walnuts and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
• Pour hot jam into steralized 1/2 pint jars, put on cap, screw band firmly tight.
• Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes or as recommended for your altitude.

CRANBERRY WALNUT JAM

Steps:

• Wash jars and screw bands in the dishwasher on the 'hot water' or 'sterilize' cycle and heated dry cycle. Leave them in there until ready to use so they stay heated which reduces the chance of jars cracking when you add the hot jam. Alternatively you can wash them in hot, soapy water and then fill each with clean hot water to keep them warm while you are making the jam.
• Fill a heavy bottomed stock pot or canner about half-full with water and bring to simmer.
• Put lids in a small saucepan and bring to a 'near boil' for about 5 minutes to get them gummy for sticking. Let stand in hot water until ready to use.
• Place cranberries, juice and water in a large saucepot. Bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to low; add orange zest, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
• Stir in toasted walnuts.
• Stir pectin into the 1/2 cup sugar you set aside. Stir this into the fruit/walnut mix. This reduces clumping and it seems to mix better.
• Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. This can take 5-10 minutes.
• Quickly stir in the rest of the sugar.
• Return to full rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Time to test the jell: I like to keep a metal spoon in a glass of ice water on the counter, or you could keep one in the freezer. Put about half a spoonful of jam on it and let it cool to room temperature. If it is the consistency you want, move on to the next step. If it is too runny, you can add a bit more pectin (1/4 to 1/2 a box) and bring back up to a boil for 1 more minute before canning.
• Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, (a funnel would be a big help) filling to within 1/4 inch of tops.
• Wipe jar rims and threads clean. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly but not with all your strength.
• Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. If you do not have a rack, simply place a tea towel in the bottom of the pot to keep the jars from rattling and lower each jar individually using your tongs or jar tongs.
• Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add more boiling water if needed. I like to bring my teapot to a boil and then let sit on low so hot water is readily available.
• Cover; bring water to gentle boil and set your timer for 10 minutes. (See below for other altitudes.) Do not overprocess as this can lead to runny and discolored jam.
• Remove jars carefully with tongs or jar tongs and place upright on a towel in a place they won't be bumped to completely cool. I usually let mine sit overnight.
• After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. If the lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.
• According to the National Center for Home Preservation, homemade jams and jellies that have been processed in a canner for the recommended time, should retain best quality and flavor for up to one year. All home-canned foods should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place, between 50-70°F
• Once opened, jam should be kept in the refrigerator where it is good for 1-3 months. Just watch for any signs of mold or other nasties.
• If your walnuts were not purchased toasted, I highly recommend you take a moment to toast them yourself. Here are three ways it can be done: OVEN: Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently. MICROWAVE: Spread walnuts in a single layer in a microwave safe plate. Microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. STOVE TOP: Cook walnuts in a dry skillet on MEDIUM HIGH heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• At altitudes above 1,000 feet, increase processing time as indicated. 1,001 to 3,000 feet: Increase processing time by 5 minutes. 3,001 to 6,000 feet: Increase processing time by 10 minutes. 6,001 to 8,000 feet: Increase processing time by 15 minutes. 8,001 to 10,000 feet: Increase processing time by 20 minutes.

CABERNET-CRANBERRY SAUCE WITH FIGS

Steps:

• Bring wine to a boil with figs in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and steep figs, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a sieve into a medium heavy saucepan and reserve figs in a small bowl.
• Add cranberries, sugar, and zest to wine and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Adjust heat and continue to simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture is thickened slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and discard orange zest strips, then stir in figs. Let cool completely.

CRANBERRY APPLE JAM

Steps:

• In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice. Stir in the cranberries and the rest of the ingredients cook until the cranberries start to pop (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat and place sauce in a bowl. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.