Chopped, peeled peaches: 5 cups | Granulated sugar: 1 cup | Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon | Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon | Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon | Powdered fruit pectin: 1 package (1.75 ounces) | Water: 1/2 cup |
Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
133 kcal | 0g | 0g | 35g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
33g | 1g | 1g | 0g |
There’s something so comforting, yet uniquely delicious about my Spiced Peach Jam. Born and raised in Nebraska, I’ve been cradling a deep appreciation for farm-to-table freshness that profoundly influences my recipes. This jam, luscious and beautifully fragrant, encapsulates all that I cherish about heartland cooking – simplicity, freshness, and a wholesome feel.
A Taste of My Homeland
Tender, juicy peaches make up the heart of this recipe. If there’s any fruit that signifies the blush of a summer’s day in Nebraska, it’s the timeless and humble peach. Every bite echoes sunny days spent at local peach orchards, where sun-soaked peaches filled with nature’s sweet nectar are the real stars of the show. With a hint of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each spoonful of this Spiced Peach Jam is a comforting mix of the familiar with an exciting, spicy twist.
Not Just Desserts
While you might typically associate jams with breakfast toast or an element of dessert, this recipe doesn’t limit itself to sweet suppers. If you’re a fan of savoury and sweet, it pairs wonderfully with cheese and crackers for a snack, or dolloped onto a roast chicken for an inventive and homely glaze. It reminds me very much of this glazed roast chicken – a heavenly match. For those with a sweet tooth, it works wonderfully swirled into yogurt or upping the ante on your pancakes. In fact, it’s a great, healthier alternative to those sugar-laden store bought jams.
The Benefits of Homemade Preserves
It’s worth mentioning that this jam is not only delicious but also holds numerous health benefits – a sweet tribute to the power of natural, homemade food. Peaches are known to be high in antioxidants like vitamin C, beneficial for skin health, and rich in fiber for digestion. Spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg can aid in lowering inflammation and boosting immunity as well. The lemon juice not only helps in preservation but also delivers a good dose of vitamin C.
Spiced Peach Jam is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to preserve the bounty of your harvest, a touch of nostalgia, and a love letter to the simplicity of heartland cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 5 cups of chopped and peeled peaches
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
- 1/2 cup of water
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your peaches. They should be washed, peeled and chopped. You’ll need around 5 cups worth.
Step Two
Place the chopped peaches in a large pot. Add in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step Three
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered fruit pectin with 1/2 cup of water until it is fully dissolved.
Step Four
Pour the pectin mixture into the pot with the peaches. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step Five
Bring the peach mixture to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to boil for around 10 minutes, or until the peaches have softened and the mixture has thickened.
Step Six
Once the peaches have softened and the jam has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it to jars.
Step Seven
Once the jam has cooled slightly, you can transfer it to clean jars. Seal the jars tightly and allow the jam to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. The jam will last for several months when stored properly.