Almond-Infused Peach Preserves
This almond-infused peach preserves recipe is a delightful twist on a classic treat. With the natural sweetness of ripe peaches complemented by zesty lemon juice and a hint of cinnamon, each jar provides a taste of summer all year round. The rich flavor of almond extract replaces traditional vanilla, adding a nutty complexity that elevates the preserves to a gourmet level. My personal preference for this variation stems from its balanced sweetness without the warming notes of nutmeg, resulting in a fresher, fruitier spread. This preserve is perfect for breakfast spreads on toast, yogurt toppings, or even as a delightful filling for pastries. Whether you're preserving a summer bounty or simply looking for a tasty sweet treat, this recipe will surely impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced ripe firm peaches
5 cups (peeled and diced (about 8-12 peaches, depending on size))
Lemon juice
4 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Granulated sugar
4 cups, divided (measured)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Butter
1 teaspoon (unsalted)
Liquid pectin
1 (3-ounce) package (measured)
Almond extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and dicing your ripe peaches. If the peaches are very juicy, consider draining some of the juice to achieve a firmer set.
2
In a large stockpot, combine the diced peaches with the lemon juice and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well to coat the peaches.
3
Cover the pot and let the mixture stand for about 1 hour to allow the juices to release.
4
While the peaches are resting, prepare your water bath canner. Sterilize the jars by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars in the hot water until ready to use.
5
In a small saucepan, add the lids and pour boiling water over them (do not boil the lids). Leave them in the hot water until you need them.
6
After the hour has passed, return to the stockpot and add the remaining sugar (2 cups), cinnamon, and butter to the peach mixture. Heat this uncovered over medium heat while stirring often until the sugar is completely dissolved.
7
Once the mixture comes to a simmer, continue simmering for 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
8
Increase the heat to high, add the liquid pectin, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, ensuring it continues to boil while stirring.
9
Boil vigorously for 1 minute, then remove the pot from heat and skim off any excess foam from the surface.
10
Stir in the almond extract and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
11
Ladle the hot peach mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
12
Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth and place the lids on top, securing the bands just to fingertip tightness.
13
Place the jars into the water bath canner, ensuring there is 1-2 inches of water covering the tops of the jars.
14
Cover the canner and bring to a boil. Process the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Remember to adjust for high altitude if necessary.
15
After processing, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars sit for 5 minutes before taking them out.
16
Allow the jars to cool undisturbed on a kitchen towel or cooling rack until sealed. Once cool, check to ensure the lids are sealed properly. Store in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Almond-Infused Peach Preserves?
These preserves are a gourmet twist on a classic peach spread, using almond extract instead of vanilla to provide a nutty complexity that complements the sweetness of ripe peaches.
What ingredients are needed for this peach preserve recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of diced ripe peaches, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, 4 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of butter, 1 package of liquid pectin, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
How many peaches do I need to get 5 cups diced?
You will generally need between 8 to 12 peaches, depending on their size, to yield 5 cups of peeled and diced fruit.
Why is almond extract used in this recipe?
Almond extract is used to add a rich, nutty flavor profile that elevates the preserves to a gourmet level, providing a different experience than traditional vanilla-based recipes.
Do I need to peel the peaches for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specify to start by peeling and dicing the ripe peaches for the best texture in your preserves.
How do I prevent my preserves from being too runny?
If your peaches are very juicy, the recipe suggests draining some of the juice before cooking to help achieve a firmer set.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice?
Lemon juice provides acidity which is essential for the pectin to set properly and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and fruit.
Why do the peaches need to stand with sugar for an hour?
Letting the mixture stand allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the peaches, creating a syrup base before the cooking process begins.
How much sugar is used in total?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of granulated sugar in total, which is added in two separate stages.
Why is butter added to the peach mixture?
A small amount of butter (1 teaspoon) is added to help reduce foaming during the boiling process.
What kind of pectin should I use?
This specific recipe is formulated for one 3-ounce package of liquid pectin.
How long should the mixture simmer before adding pectin?
Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture reaches a simmer, let it continue to simmer for 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
How long do I boil the preserves after adding the pectin?
After adding the liquid pectin, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil vigorously for exactly 1 minute.
What should I do after the 1-minute vigorous boil?
Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any excess foam from the surface before adding the almond extract.
When is the almond extract added?
The almond extract is stirred in after the pot has been removed from the heat and the foam has been skimmed.
How long should the jars be sterilized?
Sterilize your canning jars by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
How do I prepare the lids for canning?
Place the lids in a small saucepan and pour boiling water over them. Do not boil the lids directly; let them sit in the hot water until needed.
How much headspace is required in the jars?
You should leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar when filling with the hot peach mixture.
What is the processing time for the water bath canner?
The jars should be processed in boiling water for 10 minutes, though you may need to adjust this for high altitudes.
How much water should cover the jars in the canner?
Ensure there is at least 1 to 2 inches of water covering the tops of the jars during the water bath process.
What should I do after the 10-minute processing time?
Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the water for an additional 5 minutes before removing them.
How should I cool the jars after canning?
Place the hot jars on a kitchen towel or cooling rack and allow them to sit undisturbed until they are completely cool and sealed.
How do I check if the jars have sealed properly?
Once cool, check the lids; they should be curved slightly inward and should not move or pop when pressed in the center.
Where is the best place to store the finished preserves?
Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dry, and dark place for long-term storage.
Does this recipe include nutmeg?
No, this recipe specifically excludes nutmeg to maintain a fresher, fruitier flavor profile.
What are some serving suggestions for these preserves?
They are perfect on toast, as a topping for yogurt, or as a sweet filling for various pastries.
Is this a low protein recipe?
Yes, based on the ingredient profile and tags, this is considered a low protein food item.
Can I use firm peaches?
Yes, the recipe suggests using ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape better during the dicing and cooking process.
How do I ensure even flavor distribution?
Stir the mixture frequently during the 5-minute cooling period after adding the almond extract to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
What type of cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to provide a hint of warmth to the preserves.