Peach Apricot Jam Food

STONE FRUIT JAM

Steps:

• Toss fruit and sugar together in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight, tossing periodically to coat and to dissolve the sugar. (This will help coax the juices out of the fruit.)
• Place a small plate in the refrigerator to chill. (You'll use this later.)
• Bring the fruit to a strong simmer over medium heat until the skins burst and the juices start to boil, 10 to 15 minutes. If using a vanilla bean as an add-in, put it in the pot now.
• Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the jam, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula at first and more frequently as juices thicken until most of the liquid has evaporated and the fruit has begun to break down, about 25 to 35 minutes. How much it breaks down will depend on the type of fruit and how ripe it is. (For example, peaches are likely to retain their shape, while plums and apricots will break down almost entirely.)
• As the jam cooks, the liquid reduces, the sugars thicken and the natural pectins activate. You'll notice the liquid go from a rapid, rolling boil with smaller bubbles to a slow, thick, tarlike boil with larger bubbles. This is the stage at which it's most important to stir constantly along the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching and sticking. (Sugar is heavier than water and will concentrate there, increasing the chance that the fruit will burn.) It's also the stage at which splattering may occur, so take care in stirring.
• When the jam reaches a slow, thick boil, add lemon juice and any of the add-ins (see note). Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the jam has returned to its previously thickened state, about another 5 minutes. To test the consistency, spoon a bit of jam onto the chilled plate, return it to the refrigerator and chill for 2 minutes. Drag your finger through it: It should hold its shape on either side without appearing watery or runny. If it's not there yet, cook it a few minutes more.
• Remove from heat, and pick out vanilla bean, if you added it earlier. Divide between jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top of the jar, and seal immediately. Can the jams (see our How to Make Jam guide for more instruction), or store in the refrigerator, using them up within a couple of weeks.

HONEY PEACH APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Add all ingredients to a large saucepot or Dutch oven.
• Slowly bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
• Turn the heat up a little and cook rapidly, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the jam reaches the gelling point, about 25 minutes.
• Spoon hot jam into prepared jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
• Wipe the lip of each jar with a damp paper towel, top the jars with a lid and lid ring.
• Process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.

PEACH & APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Put all the ingredients in a preserving pan or similar and heat gently to dissolve the sugar crystals (stirring frequently with a wooden spoon).
• Bring to a rolling boil for 10 minutes and keep stirring.
• Take off the heat and check for set by putting a few drops on a chilled saucer.
• Allow to cool for 30 second in the firdge and if it crinkles when a finger is pushed through it, it's ready.
• If not boil for another 2 minutes and repeat this testing process until a set is achieved. (Mine took 12 minutes).
• Remove any scum with a spoon if necessary.
• If the jam is looking a bit too chunky use a potato masher to gently squash the fruit.
• Ladle into warm sterilised jars and apply lids or wax discs and cellophane lids.
• Makes 3 standard sized jars.
• Store in a cool, dry place. For best colour and flavour eat within 12 months but will last years.

APRICOT PEACH JAM - NO PECTIN -(3 INGREDIENTS)

Steps:

• Mark an X on the bottom of the apricots and peaches. Then, blanch them in hot water for 5 minutes. Peel and remove but do not discard the seeds/pits. Roughly chop the fruits and set them aside.Pro tip - Marking an X on the fruit helps to peel them easily as the skin shrinks when blanching.
• Place two small ceramic plates in the freezer so we can use these to test the jam later. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer to check the doneness of the jam.
• In a heavy bottom pan, combine the chopped fruit (and a few kernels), sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Also, add the star anise and cinnamon stick if using Pro tip - If you are using fruits with skin on, let the fruits macerate in sugar and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. This softens the skin considerably.
• Cook on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Then, turn the heat up and let the mixture come to a boil. Let it boil for two minutes on medium-high. Pro tip - Boiling the jam is important as it releases pectin from the skin and seed in fruits.
• Then, turn the heat to medium-low. The jam should still be simmering but at a low simmer, not bubbling. Use a vegetable masher to mash the fruit - so you have a smoother jam-like consistency.Pro tip - Mashing the fruit is optional, as the fruit will break down into smaller chunks similar to preserve as it cooks. However, mashing will give smoother consistency like jam.
• Continue to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes more stirring often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The jam will continue to thicken as well as deepen in color as it cools.Pro tip - The cooking time will depend on the quantity of the jam as well as the heat applied to it. It's ok to cook a little longer but there must be a simmer for the fruit to release pectin.
• Remove one of the ceramic plates from the freezer. Place a teaspoon of jam on the cold plate. Pro tip - The cold plate will help cool the jam almost instantly and give you a good indication if the jam is ready.
• Set aside for 2 to 3 minutes then test with your finger. Simply move/push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles/crinkles it means the jam is ready. And if not, let the jam cook a couple of minutes more and test again.Pro tip - You may need to test the jam on a ceramic plate more than once or a couple of times depending on how early you start checking.
• Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer - the jam should reach 105 C / 221 F.Pro tip - I find the thermometer to be the easiest and fail-proof method to check for doneness.
• Optional - Just when you are ready to take the jam off the heat add a teaspoon of butter and stir well. Butter helps dissolve foam that accumulates on top of the jam. Pro tip - You don't need more than 1 teaspoon of butter to help with the foam. It will also give you that glossy shine.
• Pour the jam into warm sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch space from the top. Use a clean sterilized knife or spatula to move the jam a bit - this will remove any air pockets.
• Place a piece of wax paper on the top before you place the lid on tightly. Clean the rim of the jar with a clean paper towel. Top the lid. Alternatively, use the lid with screw-on rings that come with the canning jars.
• Sterilize 4 x 8 oz (250 g) jars by washing them in hot soapy water or cleaning them in the dishwasher with a gentle cycle. Then, place them in the oven for 20 minutes at a low 284 F / 140 CPro tip- I find the dishwasher does a good job of cleaning and the oven dries any excess moisture in the bottles.
• Note - Leave them in the oven until you are ready to use them (you can turn the oven off). Don't forget to wash and sterilize the bottle lids as well.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot. Fill half the pot with water. Bring the water in the pot to a boil on high heat.
• Lower the jars over the rack leaving enough space between the jars.Pro tip - The level of water should be at least an inch above the top of the jars. So if necessary pour more boiling water.
• Bring the water to a boil again. Cover the pot and process/simmer for 15 minutes.
• Then, carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture. Cool completely. Pro tip - The hot jars are very delicate so make sure to use tongs when taking them out and place them on soft towels to prevent them from breaking.
• Press the top of the lid to ensure the seal is tight - the lid should not move at all. Store in a cool dry place.

MCP PEACH-APRICOT FREEZER JAM

Steps:

• Rinse clean plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly.
• Peel and pit peaches; pit apricots. Finely chop or grind peaches; set aside. Repeat with apricots. Measure exactly 1-1/2 cups each prepared peaches and apricots into large bowl. Add lemon juice; mix well.
• Stir pectin into prepared fruit in bowl. Let stand 30 min., stirring every 5 min. Gradually add sugar, stirring after each addition until well blended. Stir additional 3 min. or until most of the sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)
• Fill all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator before using.

SURE.JELL PEACH-APRICOT FREEZER JAM

Steps:

• Rinse clean plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly.
• Peel and pit peaches. Finely chop or grind fruit. Measure exactly 1-1/4 cups prepared peaches into large bowl. Pit and finely chop or grind unpeeled apricots. Measure exactly 1 cup prepared apricots into bowl with peaches. Add sugar, lemon juice and fruit protector; mix well. Let stand 10 min., stirring occasionally.
• Mix pectin and water in small saucepan. Bring mixture to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring 1 min. Add to fruit mixture; stir 3 min. or until sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)
• Fill all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.