Oh, let me tell you, making homemade jam is one of my absolute favorite kitchen activities! There’s just something magical about transforming fresh fruits into a luscious spread. This honey sweetened peach jam is a delightful twist on the traditional version. The honey adds a unique sweetness that complements the juicy peaches beautifully, creating a flavor explosion that you’ll want to spread on everything from toast to pancakes!
Every summer, when peaches are at their peak, I find myself in a jam-making frenzy. The smell of simmering peaches fills the kitchen, and I can hardly wait to dive into a jar! Trust me, once you try this honey-infused gem, you’ll never look at store-bought jams the same way again. Plus, it’s super easy to make and uses just a few simple ingredients. So, grab those ripe peaches and let’s get started on a sweet adventure!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped – Make sure they’re ripe for that sweet, juicy flavor!
- 1 cup honey – This is what sweetens our jam naturally and adds a beautiful depth.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – A must for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the peach flavor.
- 1 packet pectin – This helps our jam set perfectly, giving it that delightful spreadable consistency.
How to Prepare Honey Sweetened Peach Jam
Step 1: Prepare Jars
First things first, we need to ensure our jars are squeaky clean! Sterilizing them is super important to keep our jam safe and fresh. Just pop them in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Make sure they’re fully submerged, and don’t forget the lids! If you’re feeling fancy, you can also run them through the dishwasher on a hot cycle. Once they’re done, let them cool upside down on a clean towel.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s get those gorgeous peaches ready! In a large pot, toss in your peeled and chopped peaches, honey, and lemon juice. I love the bright zing that the lemon brings to the mix! Stir everything gently to combine, and get ready for the magic to happen.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Time to get cooking! Set your pot over medium heat and watch as the mixture starts to bubble and come to life. You’ll want to keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After a few minutes, you should see the peaches releasing their juices and everything starting to simmer—this is when the sweet aroma fills your kitchen!
Step 4: Add Pectin
Once your mixture is simmering away, it’s time to add the pectin. Sprinkle it in while stirring well to avoid clumps. This is where the magic thickening begins! Make sure to stir it in completely so that the pectin dissolves and does its job perfectly.
Step 5: Cook Until Thickened
Let’s keep that pot bubbling! Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. You can test the consistency by placing a small spoonful on a plate and letting it sit for a minute. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, you’re golden! If it’s still too runny, give it a few more minutes on the heat.
Step 6: Jar the Jam
Now comes the fun part—jarring our delicious jam! Carefully pour the hot jam into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any spills, then seal them with the lids. You want to make sure they’re tight but not overly so—just snug enough to keep everything fresh!
Step 7: Cooling and Storing
Let your jars cool completely on the counter, which usually takes a couple of hours. You’ll hear those delightful pops as the jars seal! Once they’re cool, store your honey sweetened peach jam in the refrigerator where it’ll keep for up to 3 weeks. If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to leave some space in the jars for expansion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This jam comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it a perfect weekend project or a fun afternoon activity!
- Flavorful: The combination of ripe peaches and honey creates a deliciously sweet and fruity spread that’s bursting with flavor, far better than anything you’ll find on a store shelf.
- Healthier Choice: With no refined sugars and only natural ingredients, you can feel good about slathering this jam on your morning toast or using it in desserts.
- Versatile: Use it on toast, in yogurt, or as a filling for pastries—this honey sweetened peach jam is as versatile as it is tasty!
- Homemade Love: There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own jam, especially when you can share jars with friends and family. They’ll love the personal touch!
Tips for Success
To help you create the most delicious honey sweetened peach jam, I’ve gathered some of my top tips that I swear by! Trust me, a little attention to detail can make all the difference.
- Use Ripe Peaches: This is key! Ripe peaches are sweeter and have a better texture, making for a more flavorful jam. Look for ones that yield slightly to pressure and have a fragrant aroma.
- Adjust Honey to Taste: If you prefer your jam a little less sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of honey. You can always start with a bit less and add more if you want to amp up that sweetness later.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It not only helps balance the sweetness but also enhances the overall flavor of the peaches. Plus, the acidity is essential for the jam to set properly.
- Stir Frequently: While the mixture is heating and during cooking, keep stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. It also helps release those lovely peach juices!
- Test for Consistency: Don’t rush the cooking process! Testing the jam’s consistency is crucial. Remember, it will thicken a bit more as it cools, so aim for slightly thicker than you want it to be.
- Label Your Jars: If you’re making multiple batches, labeling your jars with the date and contents can be super helpful! That way, you’ll know just how fresh your jam is.
- Share the Love: Homemade jam makes a fantastic gift! Consider sharing jars with friends and family; they’ll appreciate the thoughtful gesture and delicious treat.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up the best honey sweetened peach jam ever! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor the deliciousness once it’s ready!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delightful honey sweetened peach jam! Keep in mind, the nutrition information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guide rather than precise data.
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So, there you have it! This jam is not only delicious but also a lovely addition to your diet when enjoyed in moderation. Spread it generously and enjoy every single bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this honey sweetened peach jam? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my tried-and-true answers.
How long does this jam last?
Your homemade honey sweetened peach jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for several months—just leave a little space in the jar for expansion!
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches can work just fine, especially if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the pot.
What if my jam doesn’t thicken?
Oh no! If your jam hasn’t thickened after cooking, don’t panic. You can always add a bit more pectin and simmer it for a few more minutes. Just remember to stir well, and do the plate test again to check for that perfect consistency.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
For sure! If honey isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Do I need to process the jars in a water bath?
For this recipe, it’s not necessary to process the jars in a water bath since you’re storing them in the fridge. However, if you want to keep them shelf-stable, you can definitely do a quick water bath canning process to seal them properly.
Can I add spices to my jam?
Yes, yes, yes! Feel free to experiment with flavors. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the jam to a whole new level. Just start with a little and adjust to your taste!
What’s the best way to serve this jam?
This honey sweetened peach jam is fabulous on toast or biscuits, but it’s also fantastic drizzled over yogurt, mixed into oatmeal, or used as a filling for pastries. Get creative with it—the possibilities are endless!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! Making jam should be a fun and rewarding experience, and I’m here to help you every step of the way!
Imprimer
Honey Sweetened Peach Jam: 7 Steps to Pure Deliciousness
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 5 cups 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
This honey sweetened peach jam is a delicious spread you can enjoy on toast or use in desserts.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 packet pectin
Instructions
- Prepare jars by sterilizing them.
- In a large pot, combine peaches, honey, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers.
- Add pectin and stir well.
- Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for best flavor.
- Adjust honey to taste.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Preserves
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 1mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 13g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: honey sweetened peach jam, peach jam, homemade jam
