Description
This homemade peach jam captures the vibrant flavors of ripe peaches enhanced with warm cinnamon and smooth vanilla, creating a delicious spread perfect for toast, pastries, or as a gift. Made with simple ingredients and a classic stovetop cooking method followed by water bath canning, this jam offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice reminiscent of artisanal market preserves.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups peaches, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 box fruit pectin (approximately 1.75 oz)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mason jars, sterilized, for storing
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Peel and chop fresh peaches until you have 6 cups, ensuring they are ripe at their peak for the best flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large pot set over medium-high heat, combine the chopped peaches, lemon juice, and fruit pectin. Stir well to distribute the pectin evenly.
- Add Sugar and Butter: Gradually stir in 4 cups of sugar and 1 tablespoon of butter, which helps reduce foaming.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring constantly to prevent burning or sticking.
- Boil Hard: Once boiling, continue to boil hard for 1 full minute while continuing to stir.
- Remove from Heat: Take the pot off the heat and immediately stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
- Skim Foam: Use a spoon to carefully skim off any foam that has formed on the surface to ensure clear jam.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam carefully into sterilized mason jars, leaving a bit of headspace.
- Seal and Process: Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to safely preserve the jam.
- Cool and Store: Remove jars and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to avoid contamination during storage.
- The butter helps to reduce foaming during boiling, making the jam clearer.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce sugar slightly but note it may affect preservation.
- After opening, keep the jam refrigerated and consume within a few weeks.