Spiced Nectarine Whiskey Preserves Recipes

NECTARINE JAM

Steps:

• Inspect 5 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust; discard any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Measure finely chopped, peeled nectarines; you should have 4 1/2 cups. Add to a heavy pot and immediately mix with lemon juice so they don't turn brown.
• Combine 1/4 cup sugar and fruit pectin in a bowl. Add to nectarines in the pot and stir well. Slowly bring mixture to a full rolling boil that does not stop bubbling when stirred. Add remaining 2 3/4 cups sugar and stir to dissolve, making sure to scrape over the bottom of the pot. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in almond extract.
• Pack nectarine 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.

NECTARINE JAM

Steps:

• Cook all ingredients at a very mild boil for 30-minutes.
• *At this point you can add optional spices of your choice such as 1 teaspoons cinnamon, almond extract, or ground ginger, or 1 tblsp. brandy extract; or any favorite combination. Cook for 5 minutes more.
• Skim foam off surface.
• Ladle into sterilized jars.
• Process in boiling water bath for 10-mins.

SPICED NECTARINE WHISKEY PRESERVES

Steps:

• 1. In a small saucepan, add water, sugar, and nectarines. Cook covering on medium heat until nectarines are very soft.
• 2. Pour into a blender and give a quick blend so that there are pieces of fruit vaguely present. Pour back into sauce pan.
• 3. Add the rest of the ingredients, save the Knox's. Continue to cook on low, stirring occasionally. Only cook for as long is your preference for the strength of whiskey.
• 4. Turn heat up to a boil. This may cause bubbling and spitting, use caution.
• 5. Whisk in the Knox's Gelatin until totally dissolved. Remove from heat.
• 6. Pour into sterilized jam jars and follow waterbath canning process. This should render about 2-3 small jars. You can multiply this recipe to whatever about of jars you would like to make.
• 7. In the picture, I poured entire contents into a jar the size of about a spaghetti jar and didn't use canning process. We used it in about a week and a half without consequence.