Homemade apricot jam –Hello, my friends! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that brings a taste of sunshine to your kitchen—Apricot Jam! This sweet spread is perfect for slathering on your morning toast or adding a little something special to your favorite desserts. So let’s dive right in and whip up a batch of this homemade goodness!
Apricot Jam
Before we get started, let’s take a moment to appreciate this wonderful image of our star ingredient. It’s all about that vibrant, golden color that brightens any dish!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- First things first, make sure to wash your apricots thoroughly. Remove the pits and chop them into medium-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir it all together and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the apricots to release their juices, making the jam extra delicious!
- Next, place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Once it starts boiling, let it bubble away for about 5-10 minutes.
- Now it’s time to add the fruit pectin. Sprinkle it into the pot while stirring constantly. Let the jam come to a rolling boil again, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The jam should thicken slightly during this time.
- Once your jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from heat. You can do a quick test to see if it’s ready by placing a spoonful of jam on a cold plate and checking if it holds its shape.
- Pour the hot jam into prepared sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal them tightly with lids.
- Lastly, allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or process them in a water bath for longer shelf life.
And there you have it—homemade apricot jam that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy spreading this luscious treat on your breakfast toast, or get creative and use it as a filling for pastries and desserts. This jam is not just a condiment; it’s a sweet reminder of loved ones gathered around the table. Happy cooking!