There’s something truly special about homemade jam, especially when it combines the luscious sweetness of ripe peaches with the rich, warm notes of bourbon. Peach and Bourbon Jam is a delightful treat that adds a gourmet touch to your toast, cheese platter, or even as a topping for desserts. This recipe brings together the best of summer fruit and a splash of adult sophistication in every jar. Follow along to create this delicious preserve at home!
Why You’ll Love Peach and Bourbon Jam
- Flavorful: The sweetness of peaches is perfectly complemented by the smoky, caramel undertones of bourbon, creating a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
- Versatile: This jam is fantastic on toast, in pastries, or as a topping for savory dishes like grilled meats or cheeses.
- Homemade Goodness: Making jam at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the sweetness to your liking.
Ingredients
- Fresh Peaches: 2 pounds (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
- Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
- Bourbon: 1/4 cup
- Pectin: 1 package (1.75 oz, typically for fruit jams; follow the package instructions for specific types)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added depth of flavor)
Equipment
- Large Pot: For cooking the jam.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
- Sterilized Jars: For preserving the jam.
- Ladle: For filling the jars.
- Jar Lifter: For safely removing jars from the hot water bath.
Method: How to Make Peach and Bourbon Jam
- Prepare the Peaches:
- Peel and Pit: Peel the peaches using a paring knife or vegetable peeler. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and chop the fruit into small pieces.
- Cook the Peaches:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chopped peaches, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Heat: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to simmer and the sugar dissolves. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Add Pectin:
- Mix in Pectin: Gradually add the pectin to the peach mixture, stirring constantly to ensure it dissolves completely.
- Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Follow the pectin package instructions for the exact boiling time.
- Incorporate Bourbon:
- Add Bourbon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the bourbon. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it now as well.
- Stir: Mix well to evenly distribute the bourbon throughout the jam.
- Prepare Jars:
- Sterilize: Sterilize your jars and lids by placing them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep them hot until ready to use.
- Fill the Jars:
- Ladle Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Seal and Process:
- Apply Lids: Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they’re fingertip-tight.
- Process: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re sealed properly. This also helps preserve the jam for longer storage.
- Cool and Store:
- Cool: Remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel or rack to cool completely.
- Check Seals: Once cool, ensure that the lids have sealed properly. They should be concave and not pop when pressed in the center.
- Label and Store:
- Label: Label your jars with the date and contents.
- Store: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. They should be good for up to a year.
Tips for Success
- Peach Ripeness: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. If they’re not quite ripe, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few days.
- Bourbon: Choose a bourbon that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will come through in the jam.
- Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but be aware that it might affect the consistency of the jam.
Final Thoughts
Peach and Bourbon Jam is a luxurious, homemade treat that combines the best flavors of summer with a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Sunday morning or giving it as a gift, this jam is sure to impress. Embrace the joy of homemade preserves and savor the sweet, boozy goodness of your very own Peach and Bourbon Jam!
Have you tried making fruit jams before, or do you have any other unique jam recipes to share? Leave your comments or questions below. Here’s to preserving the flavors of
summer and enjoying the delicious results of your homemade efforts!
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