Peach & Fig Harmony Preserves
Embrace the delightful fusion of summer flavors with these Peach & Fig Harmony Preserves. This recipe combines the sweet, succulent essence of ripe peaches with the unique, luscious taste of figs, enhanced by the warm notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger. Perfect for breakfast spreads or a gourmet twist to your favorite desserts, these preserves will elevate any meal. Whether spread on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or used as a topping for yogurt, these preserves encapsulate the taste of summer in every jar. Experiment with the optional alcohol for an adult twist, and enjoy a homemade delight packed with flavor and nostalgia.
6.5
Servings
462
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
3 1/2 cups
cinnamon stick or minced fresh ginger
1 stick or 1/8 cup (optional)
lemon
1 large (juice and zest, meat diced, discard pith)
fresh figs
1 1/2 lbs (quartered)
fresh peaches
1 1/2 lbs (diced)
peach rum or peach brandy
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by blanching the peaches: bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Submerge the peaches in the boiling water for 1 minute, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel away the skins, slice the peaches, and discard the pits.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar, vanilla pod (including seeds), fresh figs, diced peaches, and any optional spices (cinnamon or minced ginger). Add the juice, zest, and meat of the lemon into the mixture.
3
Stir the mixture well to start the release of the fruit juices. Keep the pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the juices begin to flow. Once sufficient liquid is present, increase the heat to high, continuing to stir often.
4
After the mixture has reached a rolling boil, remove the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick, if using.
5
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the fruit until you achieve a chunky yet smooth consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the figs beforehand or use the immersion blender again during cooking.
6
Return the discarded vanilla pod and cinnamon stick to the pot. As the preserves thicken, stir more frequently to prevent sticking.
7
When the mixture reaches a rolling boil, continue boiling for 15 minutes while stirring constantly. If you are adding liquor, do so now and cook for an additional minute.
8
To test for doneness, place a cold metal spoon into the mixture and tilt it. The preserves should form a single stream, indicating they are ready.
9
Finally, remove and discard the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick. Carefully pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars, sealing them by processing in a water bath for 10 minutes to ensure longevity.
Nutrition Information
115g
Carbs
0.15g
Protein
5g
Fiber
108g
Sugar
5mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peach & Fig Harmony Preserves?
A delightful fusion of summer flavors combining sweet peaches and luscious figs with warm notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger.
Which fruits are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The preserves are made using 1 1/2 lbs of fresh figs and 1 1/2 lbs of fresh peaches.
What is the best way to peel the peaches for this recipe?
Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer them to ice water; this allows the skins to be peeled away easily.
What optional spices can be added to the preserves?
You can add either a cinnamon stick or 1/8 cup of minced fresh ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
How do I prepare the lemon for the preserve mixture?
Use the juice, zest, and the diced meat of one large lemon, making sure to discard the pith.
Why should the mixture be stirred frequently over low heat initially?
Stirring frequently over low heat prevents burning and helps the fruit juices begin to flow naturally.
When should I increase the heat to high?
Increase the heat to high once sufficient liquid from the fruit is present in the pot.
At what point do I remove the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick?
Remove the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick after the mixture has reached a rolling boil, just before blending.
How do I achieve a chunky yet smooth consistency?
Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the fruit until your desired consistency is reached.
Do I put the spices back into the pot after blending?
Yes, return the vanilla pod and cinnamon stick to the pot after blending to continue infusing the flavors as the preserves thicken.
How long should the preserves boil once they reach a rolling boil?
The mixture should boil for 15 minutes while stirring constantly to reach the proper thickness.
Can I add alcohol to these preserves?
Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of peach rum or peach brandy during the last minute of cooking for an adult twist.
How can I test if the preserves are done?
Perform a spoon test by dipping a cold metal spoon into the mixture and tilting it; if it forms a single stream, it is ready.
How should the preserves be stored for longevity?
Pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars and process them in a water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed and shelf-stable.
What are some serving suggestions for Peach & Fig Harmony Preserves?
They are excellent spread on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or used as a topping for yogurt.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6.5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 462 calories.
How much sugar is in each serving of these preserves?
There are 108 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain dietary fiber?
Yes, there are 5 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content of the preserves?
The preserves contain 0.15 grams of protein per serving.
Is there much sodium in this recipe?
No, it is very low in sodium with only 5mg per serving.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Breakfast, though it works well for desserts too.
How much total fruit is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3 lbs of fruit, split equally between peaches and figs.
What should be done with the peach pits?
The pits should be discarded during the peeling and slicing process.
How much sugar is required for the whole batch?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of sugar.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of a cinnamon stick?
Yes, 1/8 cup of minced fresh ginger can be used as an alternative to the cinnamon stick.
What kind of pot is recommended for cooking the preserves?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include breakfast, preserves, peach, fig, homemade, jam, canning, and spreads.
Does the recipe use both the zest and the juice of the lemon?
Yes, it uses the juice, zest, and the meat of the lemon.
Is vanilla included in this recipe?
Yes, a vanilla pod including the seeds is used to provide warm notes to the preserves.