Are you ready to capture the sweet taste of summer? This Sure Jell peach preserves recipe is the perfect way to transform juicy, ripe peaches into a delicious spread you'll enjoy all year round. It's surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks, and the result is a homemade treat that far surpasses anything you'll find in the store. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this quick and delicious recipe – perfect for adding a touch of sunshine to your breakfast toast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups prepared peaches (about 6 medium, peeled, pitted, and sliced) – we’ll cover the best way to prepare your peaches below!
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 box Sure Jell fruit pectin (1.75 ounces)
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
Preparing the Peaches:
- Washing and Peeling: Wash your peaches thoroughly. To easily peel them, score an "X" on the bottom of each peach and blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This makes the skin slip right off!
- Pitting and Slicing: Once peeled, cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Slice the peaches into roughly ½-inch thick pieces.
Making the Preserves:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the prepared peaches, sugar, and fruit pectin. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add Water: Add the ½ cup of water to the mixture.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. This is crucial to activating the pectin and setting the preserves. A rolling boil is a boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Boil for 1 Minute: Once a rolling boil is achieved, continue to boil hard for exactly one minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
- Fill Jars: Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean.
- Seal the Jars: Place lids and rings on the jars and tighten fingertip tight. Don't over-tighten.
- Process (Optional): For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your preserves are safe for long-term storage. If you skip this step, store the preserves in the refrigerator and consume them within a few weeks.
Tips and Variations:
- Peach Selection: Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best results. Overripe peaches may result in a less firm preserve.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the peaches beautifully.
- Reduced Sugar: For a slightly less sweet preserve, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup, but the setting may not be as firm.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Variable depending on peach size and sugar used. This recipe is easily adaptable to dietary needs.
This recipe provides a great source of Vitamin C and fiber from the peaches.
Enjoy your homemade Sure Jell peach preserves! They're a delicious and rewarding project that will bring a taste of summer to your kitchen all year round. They make delightful gifts too! Let us know in the comments how your preserves turned out!