Sherry Rosemary Apricot Jam Recipes

APRICOT ROSEMARY JAM

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine apricots, rosemary and sugar; mix well and let sit about 30 minutes until juices form at the bottom of the bowl.
• Transfer the mixture, with juices, to a large pot and heat over medium high.
• Once mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to medium and cook, while stirring often, until apricots are soft and begin to lose their shape, about 30 minutes, or more (they should not have darkened significantly).
• Add a little water (up to a cup) if mixture starts sticking.
• Press apricots through a ricer or fine mesh strainer and return to pot; discard solids.
• Taste for sweetness and add sugar if needed; cook jam a few minutes more to dissolve any added sugar (flavor mellows as it cools).
• While still hot, ladle jam into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch head space at the top; remove air bubbles by running a nonmetallic utensil or skewer between the jar and the jam.
• Top with new, clean lids, close tightly, and let come to room temperature.
• Check seal by pressing down in center of lid, it should not spring up.
• Process any jars that have not sealed in a hot water bath for 15 minutes; retest.
• NOTE: To sterilize the empty jars, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat so that the water is barely bubbling. Have ready seven 8-ounce canning jars with 2-piece lids. Immerse the pint jars in the canning kettle. Place the rings and lids in a separate small saucepan and cover them with hot water. Leave the jars and lids immersed while you cook the jam.

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.

BAKED APRICOT ROSEMARY CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the jam until melted, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer the jam to a large baking dish. Add the olive oil, mustard, honey, soy sauce, orange zest, crushed garlic, rosemary, 3/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper and mix until combined. Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper and add to the marinade. Gently flip until mixed and coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes. Garnish with orange wedges if desired.