Brandied Ginger Apricot Jam Recipes

APRICOT AND GINGER JAM

Steps:

• Wash, chop and de-stone apricots. Have jars sterilized in preparation.
• Measure 8 cups of chopped apricots into a large stock pot, along with the 4 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and grated ginger.
• Bring to a boil over a high heat, stirring occasionally. Once at a rolling boil, turn down the heat to keep it at a controlled boil for 23 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Note: It should be bubbling, not simmering. Start your timer when it begins to boil and at this stage add the 1 tablespoon of butter.
• At the end of 23 minutes it should have reduced down to a thick, sticky consistency but will still slide easily off the spoon. Don't worry, it will thicken as it cools.
• Jar while it is still warm and moves easily.

BRANDIED GINGER APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Put all ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir to mix. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apricots have cooked down to a thickened jam consistency, about 30 - 45 minutes.
• Carefully pour the hot jam into hot, sterilized jars and use a clean cloth to wipe the rims clean. Put the lids on immediately, tighten the rings fully and (using a towel to handle the hot jars) set the jars upside down until the jars seal. If any of the jars do not seal, use those first! Label the jam and remove the rings before storing.

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.

BOERENMEISJES (DUTCH BRANDIED APRICOTS) RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Rinse the apricots under running water.
• Place the apricots in a large saucepan, along with the sugar and water, and soak for 24 hours.
• During that time, sterilize your jam jars .
• After 24 hours, remove the lemon zest by slicing the skin off the lemon (you should have three or four strips of lemon skin) and add lemon zest to the saucepan with the apricots and water.
• Bring mixture to a boil and then immediately remove the apricots placing the apricots in jars.
• Now reduce the remaining liquid until it thickens.
• Remove from the heat, allow to cool slightly and add the brandy/cognac and remove the lemon zest.
• Spoon the liquid over the apricots and shake.
• Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool, dark place for six weeks before consuming.

BOOZY APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Inspect 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.
• Finely chop apricots and measure; you should have 5 cups prepared fruit. Transfer apricots to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in pectin and slowly bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Return to a full rolling boil over high heat and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Skim off any foam with a ladle or a large spoon.
• Remove from heat and stir in the apricot brandy.
• Pack apricot jam 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.

DRIED APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Soak apricots in boiling water in a bowl until hydrated, about 30 minutes. Blend apricots, remaining water, and vanilla extract in a food processor, working in batches, until blended but still slightly chunky.
• Combine apricot mixture with pectin in a large pot over medium heat; cook until just boiling. Add sugar and lemon juice; boil until sugar has dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the apricot jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4-inch of the 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 10 minutes.
• Remove jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool, about 1 hour. 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 AND BRANDY JAM

Steps:

• Combine apricots and water in a bowl, cover, and let stand overnight, or until soft and well plumped (about 12 hours).
• Combine apricots and their soaking water in saucepan with the orange peel and juice and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add the sugar and bring to boil, while stirring.
• Boil gently, stirring often, until the mixture is thick and shiny and begins to clear the sides of the pan when stirred.
• While mixture thickens, be sure to stir it continually but gently, so that the fruit does not burn or get squashed (about 30 minutes, but may vary).
• DO NOT ALLOW THE MIXTURE TO COOK DOWN TO A PUREE; it should retain good-sized bits of apricot.
• Remove the preserve from heat and stir in almond extract and brandy.
• Ladle into 3 half-pint canning jars, prepared in usual manner and seal with sterilized 2 piece screw-on lids.
• Cool and let mellow several weeks or more before serving.

APRICOT HONEY-GINGER JAM

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss together all the ingredients. Let stand, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature 3 hours, or refrigerate overnight.
• In a heavy-bottom 5-quart pot, bring apricot mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, skimming foam from surface as needed, until fruit is transparent and falls apart slightly, about 20 minutes (cooking time will vary depending on the ripeness of the fruit). If the mixture seems too watery, strain out fruit, and continue cooking syrup about 5 minutes more, then return fruit to pan. Let cool completely, then pour the jam into 1-to-2-cup-capacity airtight containers.