Are you ready to capture the sweet essence of summer? Imagine spreading a spoonful of sunshine onto your morning toast, or adding a touch of fruity warmth to your afternoon tea. This spiced peach preserves recipe is your ticket to that very experience! Making your own preserves is incredibly rewarding, far easier than you might think, and allows you to customize the sweetness and spice levels to your exact liking. This recipe delivers a delicious and healthy homemade treat, perfect for gifting or simply enjoying throughout the year. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced ripe peaches (about 4 pounds)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- Lemon juice (optional, about 1 tablespoon)
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sterilized canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter (optional, but helpful)
- Canning funnel (optional, but helpful)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Wash and peel your peaches. Ripe, slightly soft peaches work best for preserves. Slice them into roughly ½-inch thick pieces. If you like a smoother preserve, you can pulse the peaches briefly in a food processor, but avoid over-processing to maintain some texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. If using, add the lemon juice now; it helps brighten the flavor and prevent browning.
Step 3: Simmer the Preserves
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The preserves should sheet off a spoon – meaning it coats the back of the spoon in a thin layer.
Step 4: Sterilize Jars
While the preserves simmer, sterilize your canning jars and lids. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This is crucial for ensuring your preserves stay fresh.
Step 5: Fill and Seal the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot peach preserves into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, and place the lids and rings on securely.
Step 6: Process the Jars (Optional)
For long-term storage, you can process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This creates a vacuum seal, ensuring the preserves remain safe and fresh for months. If you skip this step, store the preserves in the refrigerator and consume them within a few weeks.
Tips for Perfect Spiced Peach Preserves:
- Use ripe, but firm peaches for the best texture.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your preference.
- For a less sweet preserve, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Adding a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier elevates the flavor profile.
- Always use sterilized jars and lids to prevent spoilage.
Variations:
- Spicy Peach Preserves: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño for a kick.
- Ginger Peach Preserves: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Citrus Peach Preserves: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon for extra zing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the amount of sugar used. A general estimate without additional sugars is around 150 calories, 0g fat, and 35g carbohydrates per serving. Nutritional information should be calculated using a nutrition calculator based on the exact ingredients and quantities used.
Making these spiced peach preserves is a delightful way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. It's a fantastic homemade gift, and the pride you'll feel from creating something so delicious is priceless. Enjoy!