As the seasons change, our taste buds crave something new and exciting. What better way to satisfy that craving than by exploring a world of tangy preserves? From classic strawberry rhubarb to innovative combinations like spicy peach ginger and blueberry lemon basil, these sweet and savory treats are sure to delight your senses. Whether you’re a seasoned jam-maker or just starting out, this collection of 18 preserve recipes will guide you through the process of creating delicious spreads that will elevate your snacking game.
**Explore Our Seasonal Selection**
With preserves perfect for spring (strawberry rhubarb), summer (peach ginger), fall (apple cinnamon honey), and winter (quince vanilla), there’s something for every season. Plus, with flavors like cherry vanilla bean, fig orange cardamom, and plum rosemary, you’ll never tire of the same old thing.
Strawberry Rhubarb Preserve
Savor the sweet-tart flavor of this classic preserve as you combine juicy strawberries with tangy rhubarb, creating a delicious condiment perfect for toast, yogurt, or using as a topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the fruit has broken down and the preserve has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spicy Peach Ginger Preserve
A sweet and spicy preserve that combines the juiciness of peaches with the warmth of ginger and a hint of heat from chili peppers. Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for pork or chicken.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 2-3 dried red chili peppers, crushed (depending on desired level of heat)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine peaches, sugar, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in the chopped ginger and crushed chili peppers.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the preserve has reached your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Basil Preserve
This preserve combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of lemon and the subtlety of basil, creating a unique and delicious spread perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the fruit has broken down and the liquid has thickened.
3. Stir in chopped basil leaves.
4. If desired, add pectin according to package instructions to thicken the preserve further.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Transfer the preserve to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Honey Preserve
This preserve combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of honey, creating a deliciously balanced flavor profile. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, and salt in a large saucepan.
2. Add the honey and ground cinnamon; stir until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Vanilla Bean Preserve
Sweet and tangy, this preserve combines the richness of vanilla beans with the lusciousness of cherries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add the split vanilla bean to the cherry mixture and stir to combine. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar or container.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Fig Orange Cardamom Preserve
This preserve combines the natural sweetness of figs with the brightness of orange zest and the warmth of cardamom, perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or dried figs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine figs, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in orange juice, zest, cardamom, and lemon juice.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the preserve has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Raspberry Rose Preserve
This sweet and fragrant preserve combines the tartness of raspberries with the delicate flavor of rose petals, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the raspberries and remove any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the dried rose petals and lemon juice to the saucepan. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Plum Rosemary Preserve
A sweet and savory preserve that combines the flavors of ripe plums with the earthy essence of rosemary, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
– Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the plums, sugar, water, and honey in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy consistency.
3. Stir in the chopped rosemary and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Strain the preserve through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the rosemary sprigs, if desired.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pear Ginger Lime Preserve
This preserve combines the sweetness of pears with the spiciness of ginger and the brightness of lime, making it a perfect addition to toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the pears, ginger, and lime juice.
2. Add the sugar and water to the saucepan and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the preserve has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blackberry Lavender Preserve
A sweet and fragrant preserve that combines the tartness of blackberries with the floral notes of lavender, perfect for topping yogurt or using as a spread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh blackberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup lavender syrup (see note)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon pectin
Instructions:
1. Rinse the blackberries and remove any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lavender syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the berries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the pectin and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Note: To make lavender syrup, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly. Strain before using.
Apricot Almond Preserve
Create a delicious homemade preserve with the flavors of sweet apricots and crunchy almonds. This recipe makes about 2 cups of preserve, perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apricots, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add sliced almonds and lemon juice to the saucepan. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the preserve has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Tomato Jam with Balsamic Preserve
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with the tanginess of balsamic preserve, creating a delicious condiment perfect for topping toast, using as a glaze for meats or cheeses, or as a side dish for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons balsamic preserve
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine chopped tomatoes, sugar, balsamic preserve, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened and reduced slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Preserve
This tropical preserve combines juicy pineapple with creamy coconut, resulting in a deliciously sweet and tangy spread perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Combine pineapple, sugar, and coconut in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the preserve thickens slightly and reaches your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and stir in honey, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mango Chili Lime Preserve
This sweet and tangy preserve combines the flavors of ripe mangoes with a hint of chili heat and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced ripe mango
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1-2 teaspoons grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine mango, sugar, honey, and grated ginger.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the preserve has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and lime juice.
5. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grapefruit Thyme Preserve
Elevate your preserve game with this unique and flavorful recipe, combining the brightness of grapefruit with the subtlety of thyme. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated thyme leaves
– 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine grapefruit juice, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in thyme leaves and lemon juice. Let steep for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the preserve through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar or container. Discard solids.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, or freeze for up to 1 year.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach Bourbon Preserve
This sweet and tangy preserve combines the flavors of juicy peaches with the richness of bourbon, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ripe peaches, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the peaches, sugar, and bourbon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reaches a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the preserves have thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and powdered pectin. Let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Black Currant Clove Preserve
This sweet and tangy preserve combines the rich flavor of black currants with the warm, aromatic spice of cloves. Perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups black currants
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 package pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black currants and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, and cloves. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the black currants to the saucepan and stir to coat with the sugar mixture.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the preserves have thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Quince Vanilla Preserve
This sweet and tangy preserve combines the unique flavor of quince with the warmth of vanilla, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs quince fruit, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine quince, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the quince is tender and the liquid has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to preserve the flavors of every season with these 18 tangy and delicious recipes! From sweet strawberry rhubarb preserves to spicy peach ginger jams, and from fruity blueberry lemon basil spreads to savory tomato jams, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe combines unique flavor combinations that will elevate your baking and cooking game. Whether you’re looking for a classic preserve or something bold and adventurous, this collection has got you covered. So go ahead, get preserving, and enjoy the fruits of your labor all year round!
