Popover With Apricot Jam Food

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.

POPOVER WITH APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Melt the butter in an oven-proof (non-stick) pan. Mix half cup of flour with 2 tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of salt. Whisk in 2 eggs, half cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of sour cream (yogurt). Mix in the melted butter. Pour the smooth batter back into the pan and bake at 400 degrees F for around 20 minutes. When the popover is done, warm some apricot jam in the microwave. Thin the jam with a little cognac or water (kid-friendly version) and spread onto the popover.

SHERRY ROSEMARY APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Wash 2 pint jars (or a few half-pint jars) so that they are ready to go when your preserves are ready to be canned.
• Add the apricots to the boiling water in a bowl along with 1/2 cup sherry and the rosemary sprigs. Let soak until the apricots are rehydrated, about 30 minutes. Strain the apricots, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Add the apricots, reserved liquid and lemon zest to a large non-reactive pan. Stir in the pectin.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and add the sugar, lemon juice, chopped rosemary and remaining 1/4 cup sherry. Boil until the sugar is dissolved and the jam is thick (you can check by spooning the jam onto the back of a wooden spoon; if you can run your finger through it without it spreading, it is good!) for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked jam to the jars. Let the jam cool to room temperature. Serve right away, or keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

APRICOT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Put a couple of small plates in the freezer. Halve and stone the apricots, chop the flesh, then put in a large pan with the apple juice. Crack some of the kernels to extract the nut inside (this is easy to do if you crack with the flat side of a heavy saucepan), then add them to the pan - this is optional, but gives extra flavour. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 mins, until the apricots are softened.
• Stir in the sugar and lemon juice, then stir well over a moderate heat to dissolve the sugar. Increase the heat and boil for about 20 mins until jam has set. Test by spooning a little jam onto one of your cold plates. After a moment push the jam with your finger; if the jam wrinkles, it is ready. If not, return to the boil for a further 5 mins, then test again.
• Remove from the heat, skim off any scum, then stir in the butter to dissolve any remaining scum. Cool for 10 mins, stir again, then ladle into warm sterilised jars. Seal, label, then store in the fridge for 4-6 weeks.

PERFECT POPOVERS

Steps:

• Adjust the oven rack to the lower third of the oven; preheat the oven to 400F. Grease each popover cup generously with softened butter or solid vegetable shortening. Combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, flour and salt in a blender or food processor; process for about 40 seconds. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times and blend until the mixture is completely smooth. To make by hand, whisk together the eggs, milk and butter in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt and beat until very smooth. Pour the batter into the greased cups, filling them half to two-thirds full. Bake until the popovers are puffed and golden brown, 35-40 minutes. Do not open the oven door during baking or the popovers will collapse. Yields 6-8, depending on the size of the baking cups Per popover: 105 calories, 4 g protein, 14 g carbohydrate, 4 g fat (2 g saturated), 61 mg cholesterol, 177 mg sodium, 0 fiber.

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.