Grand Champion Peach Jam Food

SPICED GINGER PEACH JAM RECIPE - (4.3/5)

Steps:

• Equipment needed/recommended: Canning kit: includes pot with lid, canning rack, funnel, tongs Canning jars, bands and lids, washed and sanitized (I set them in the water canning pot, while the water is coming to a boil, remove with tongs and set on a baking sheet with a towel Large bowl of ice with water (for blanching the peaches) For the peaches: Wash the fruit and bring a large pot of water to a boil. With a paring knife, cut a small "x" on the bottom of each peach (I also cut an "x" on the top of each peach). When the water is boiling, gently place the peaches in the pot and cook for 2 minutes, max. Using a slotted spoon, remove the peaches into an ice water bath and allow to sit for a few minutes. Using a paring knife (I use my fingers), pull on the skin at an "x" and the peels should come right off. If adding the ginger and spices, prep those and set aside. For the jam: Mash (or use the pulse feature on a food processor) the peeled peaches, to yield 8 cups. Add the prepared fruit into a large pot, and add the sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, and slowly add the pectin. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, ginger and spices (if using) and vanilla(or vanilla bean seeds). Allow the jam to come to a rolling boil, can take about 10 minutes. TIP: I know when the jam has thickened enough when it coats the back of a spoon. I like to freeze a few spoons, to better test this theory. Once the jam is thick, turn off the heat. Carefully spoon the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4" head space. Add a lid and band and tighten-- but don't over tighten. I like to water can the filled jars, by placing them into a canning rack, and bring to a boil for about ten minutes. Remove, carefully, with tongs onto a baking sheet with a fresh towel. Listen for the "ping" as each can self-seals. Enjoy this jam with fresh scones or homemade bread. Delicious!

GRAND CHAMPION PEACH JAM

Steps:

• Sterilize the jars, rings and lids according to manufacturer's directions.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the peaches and lemon juice to a boil.
• Add the pectin and return the mixture to a boil.
• Stirring constantly, slowly add the sugar.
• Stir in the crystallized ginger, fresh ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and lemon zest and continue to boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat and skim any foam from the top of the jam.
• Carefully pour the jam into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch space between the jam and the neck of the jar.
• Cover with the lids and screw the bands on.
• Seal the jars according to manufacturer's directions.

FIG AND PEACH JAM

Steps:

• Pulse figs and peaches in a food processor and pulse 8 - 10 times. Leaving some chunks.
• Add all ingredients in a large heavy bottom saucepan. Cook over high heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching about 10-15 minutes or until full rolling boil.
• Stir in white sugar. Return to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for (3) minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add Grand Marnier.
• Remove cinnamon stick and vanilla pod.
• Skim off foam. Ladle in hot sterilized jars, wipe rims and place lids and screw top on.
• Place in a hot water bath covering by 1 inch of water. Process in boiling bath 10 minutes. Shut heat off and let sit in water bath 5 more minutes. Then remove the jars from the hot water without tilting and set aside to cool.
• Leave for 12 hours then check the seals on the jars by pressing on the centers of the lids. If the lids do not spring back, they are vacuum sealed and the jam can be stored at room temperature.
• Another way to check is to remove the ring and try to lift the lid. If it lifts up, it wasn't sealed properly. If the lid flexes, there is no seal, so store the jar in the freezer or refrigerator instead.