Recipe: Apricot Jam with Honey and Cinnamon

Recipe: Apricot Jam with Honey and Cinnamon

Homemade apricot jam with honey and cinnamon is a luscious, sweet, and aromatic treat that combines the tartness of fresh apricots with the smooth, rich sweetness of honey and the warm spice of cinnamon. This jam is not only perfect for spreading on toast or scones but also makes an excellent topping for desserts like cheesecakes, ice cream, or yogurt.

Making jam at home is a rewarding experience. The process of turning fresh, seasonal fruit into a preserve that you can enjoy all year round is both simple and satisfying. This apricot jam recipe adds a special twist by incorporating honey, which brings a natural sweetness, and cinnamon, which adds a cozy, fragrant spice that complements the fruit perfectly. Whether you are looking for a homemade gift or a special ingredient to keep in your pantry, this jam is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Jam:

• 4 cups fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 packet (or 1 tablespoon) fruit pectin (optional, depending on the desired consistency)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Storage:

• Clean glass jars (with lids)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan or jam pot
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Jar funnel (optional)
• Canning tongs (optional)
• Clean kitchen towels

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apricots

1. Wash and Prepare the Apricots
   Start by washing the apricots thoroughly under cold running water. Once washed, cut them in half and remove the pits. Chop the apricots into small pieces, leaving the skin on for added texture and color. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can peel the apricots, but keeping the skin adds a nice rustic touch to the jam.

2. Mash the Apricots (Optional)
   If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a potato masher or fork to mash the chopped apricots slightly. If you enjoy a chunky texture, you can skip this step and leave the fruit pieces as they are.

Step 2: Cook the Jam

1. Combine Ingredients
   In a large saucepan or jam pot, combine the chopped apricots, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine the ingredients evenly.

2. Bring to a Simmer
   Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar, and allow the mixture to come to a simmer. As the mixture heats up, you’ll notice the apricots begin to release their juices, creating a syrupy consistency.

3. Cook the Jam
   Let the jam simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apricots will break down further, and the mixture will begin to thicken. To check if the jam is thickened enough, use the "plate test." Simply place a spoonful of jam on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. Then, tilt the plate; if the jam moves slowly, it’s ready. If it runs quickly, continue to simmer for a few more minutes.

4. Add the Pectin (Optional)
   If you prefer a firmer set to your jam, you can add fruit pectin at this stage. Stir it in according to the instructions on the packet. This step is optional, as the natural pectin in the apricots may be enough to create a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Sterilize the Jars

1. Prepare the Jars
   While the jam is cooking, prepare your storage jars. Wash them thoroughly in hot, soapy water, and rinse well. Sterilize the jars by placing them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, or by placing them in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) for 10 minutes.

2. Keep the Lids Clean
   Once the jars are sterilized, clean the lids with a clean towel to ensure there’s no residue before sealing the jam.

Step 4: Jar the Jam

1. Fill the Jars
   Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top to ensure a good seal. If you have a jar funnel, it will make this process easier and cleaner.

2. Seal the Jars
   Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp towel to remove any jam residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw them on tightly.

3. Process the Jars (Optional)
   For long-term preservation, process the jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. This helps to create a vacuum seal, ensuring the jam stays fresh for months. If you plan to consume the jam quickly, the jars can be stored in the refrigerator without this step.

4. Cool and Store
   Let the jars cool completely before storing them. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of the lid; if it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store your homemade apricot jam in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate it if you plan to use it within a few weeks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once your apricot jam has set, it’s time to enjoy! Spread it on toast, use it as a topping for pancakes, or serve it with pastries. It’s also delicious as a filling for cakes, tarts, or as a glaze for roasted meats.

2. Gift Option
   This apricot jam makes a great homemade gift. Simply place it in a decorative jar and tie it with a ribbon. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a thoughtful gesture for friends and family.

Tips and Variations

1. Add More Spices
   If you like your jam with a bit more spice, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the mix. You can also experiment with a dash of vanilla extract for a more complex flavor.

2. Make it Sugar-Free
   For a sugar-free version, replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia, or use honey as the sole sweetener. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

3. Pair it with Cheese
   This apricot jam pairs wonderfully with cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese. It’s a great addition to a charcuterie board or as an appetizer.

4. Use it for Baking
   Try incorporating this jam into baked goods like thumbprint cookies, Danish pastries, or even swirled into a cake batter for a fruity twist.

Health Benefits

1. Apricots
   Apricots are rich in vitamin A and C, both of which support immune health and promote skin health. They also contain fiber, which aids in digestion.

2. Honey
   Honey is known for its antibacterial properties and can help soothe sore throats. It also provides a natural source of energy, thanks to its simple sugars.

3. Cinnamon
   Cinnamon is full of antioxidants and has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to this sweet treat.

Conclusion

Apricot jam with honey and cinnamon is a sweet, fragrant treat that brings together the flavors of summer in every bite. Whether you enjoy it on a slice of warm bread, as a topping for desserts, or simply as a spoonful on its own, this jam is sure to impress. Its combination of natural sweetness, warm spices, and smooth texture makes it the perfect preserve to have on hand. Give this recipe a try and savor the vibrant flavors of apricots, honey, and cinnamon in every jar!