Gourmet Caramel Apple Delight Jam
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tart apples and rich caramel flavors with this Gourmet Caramel Apple Delight Jam. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this jam captures the essence of fall while adding a touch of elegance to any dish. Adaptable for those short on time, you can easily substitute five cups of applesauce for the cooked apples in this delightful recipe, making it a versatile addition to your jam-making repertoire. Inspired by Linda Ziedrich's classic work, The Joy of Jams, Jellies, and Other Sweet Preserves, this jam is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
tart apples
3 1/2 lbs (cored and sliced)
sugar
3 1/2 cups (divided)
water
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
brandy
3 tablespoons (optional)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your apples. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cored and sliced tart apples. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of water or apple cider to prevent the apples from scorching.
2
Once the apples are softened, transfer them to a food mill or press them through a sieve to create a smooth puree. Set the puree aside.
3
In the same large pot, combine 2 cups of sugar, water, and lemon juice. Set the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to boil without stirring. Keep a close eye on it until the syrup has turned a golden brown color, resembling caramel, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
4
Carefully mix the apple puree into the caramel. The mixture may harden, but continue to stir until it begins to dissolve. Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of sugar while stirring over low heat until fully dissolved.
5
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the jam to a vigorous boil. Stir frequently, letting it boil for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know the jam is ready when it thickens enough to leave a clear trail at the bottom of the pan when stirred.
6
When finished, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the optional brandy and vanilla extract. While the jam is still hot, ladle it into sterilized pint or half-pint jars.
7
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal. Allow to cool completely before storing.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
62g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Caramel Apple Delight Jam?
Gourmet Caramel Apple Delight Jam is a rich, elegant preserve that combines the tartness of apples with deep caramel flavors, perfect for autumn dishes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: tart apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, brandy (optional), and vanilla extract.
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, for a faster version, you can substitute five cups of applesauce for the cooked apple puree.
What kind of apples work best for this jam?
Tart apples are recommended to provide a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
How do I prepare the apples initially?
You should core and slice 3 1/2 lbs of tart apples, then cook them over low heat in a heavy pot until softened.
How long do the apples need to cook?
The apples typically need about 20 minutes of cooking time over low heat to become soft enough to puree.
What should I do if the apples start to scorch while cooking?
Add a splash of water or apple cider to the pot to prevent scorching.
How is the apple puree made?
Once softened, transfer the apples to a food mill or press them through a sieve to create a smooth texture.
How do I make the caramel base?
Combine 2 cups of sugar, water, and lemon juice in a pot and boil without stirring until it turns golden brown.
How long does it take for the sugar syrup to turn into caramel?
It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the mixture to reach a golden brown caramel color.
Should I stir the sugar while it is caramelizing?
No, you should allow the sugar mixture to boil without stirring to ensure proper caramelization.
What happens if the mixture hardens when I add the apple puree?
The mixture may initially harden, but you should continue to stir over low heat until it dissolves back into the puree.
How much total sugar is used in the recipe?
A total of 3 1/2 cups of sugar is used, divided into two parts during different stages of the cooking process.
How long should the jam boil once the puree and sugar are combined?
The jam needs a vigorous boil for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I know the jam has reached the correct thickness?
The jam is ready when it is thick enough to leave a clear trail at the bottom of the pan when stirred with a spoon.
When should I add the vanilla and brandy?
Remove the pot from the heat first, then stir in the vanilla extract and optional brandy.
Is the brandy necessary for the recipe?
The brandy is listed as an optional ingredient and can be omitted if you prefer an alcohol-free jam.
What size jars should I use for canning?
You can use either sterilized pint or half-pint jars for this recipe.
What is the water bath processing time?
Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
What is the calorie count for this jam?
This jam contains approximately 240 calories per serving.
Does this jam contain any fat or protein?
No, this jam has 0g of fat and 0g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 62g of carbohydrates per serving.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Linda Ziedrich's book, The Joy of Jams, Jellies, and Other Sweet Preserves.
Is this recipe considered vegan?
Yes, as it is made with fruit, sugar, and plant-based flavorings, it is suitable for a vegan diet.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include jam, caramel, apple, spread, preserves, and fall flavors.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
How much vanilla extract should be used?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is added at the end of the cooking process.
Is this jam a good choice for holiday gifts?
Yes, its gourmet nature and warm fall flavors make it an excellent homemade gift.
What should I do after the water bath processing is complete?
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Can I use apple cider in the recipe?
Apple cider can be used as a splash of liquid during the initial cooking of the apples to add extra flavor.