Best recipes for winter jams and preserves

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, here are some of the best recipes for winter jams and preserves that are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

1. Spicy Ginger Apple Preserve

This preserve is perfect for those who love a little spice in their life. The combination of sweet apples and spicy ginger is a match made in heaven, with the added warmth and depth of cinnamon.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups of diced apples
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine the apples, sugar, ginger, cinnamon stick and salt.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the apples are soft and the sugar has dissolved.

3. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until the apples are broken down and the mixture is jam-like.

4. Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the apple cider vinegar.

5. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a sterilized jar.

2. Cranberry Orange Jam

Cranberries are a winter staple, and this Cranberry Orange Jam is the perfect way to enjoy them. The combination of sweet orange and tangy cranberry is simply divine.

Ingredients:

– 3 cups of cranberries
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1/2 cup of orange juice
– 1 tablespoon of orange zest

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice and orange zest.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.

3. Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, mash the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a sterilized jar.

3. Spiced Pear Butter

If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, this Spiced Pear Butter is the perfect choice. It’s warm, comforting, and the perfect spread for any toast or pastry.

Ingredients:

– 4 pounds of pears (peeled, cored, and chopped)
– 2 cups of sugar
– 1/4 cup of lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine the pears, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 45 minutes or until the pears have broken down and the mixture has thickened.

3. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until it’s smooth.

4. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a sterilized jar.

4. Fig and Honey Jam

If you’re a fan of figs, you’ll love this Fig and Honey Jam. The combination of sweet figs and honey is the perfect way to start your day.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups of fresh figs (stems removed and chopped)
– 1/2 cup of honey
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine the figs, honey, lemon juice and ground cinnamon.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the figs have broken down and the mixture has thickened.

3. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a sterilized jar.

In conclusion, making your own winter jams and preserves is a fun and rewarding activity that will bring a little warmth to your winter days. These four recipes are just a starting point, so don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own delicious winter preserves. Enjoy!