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- 2 pounds fresh figs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Fresh ingredients are key for great flavor. When you use ripe figs, they give your jam a rich taste. Look for figs that are soft but not mushy. Their skin should be smooth and slightly shiny. You can find fresh figs in the summer and early fall. Farmers' markets are great places to buy them. If you can, ask the vendor about the figs. They can tell you which ones are at their best. Buying figs in season means they are sweet and juicy. This will make your fig jam shine. If you can’t find fresh figs, frozen figs can work too. Just make sure to thaw them first. But, nothing beats the taste of fresh figs! Be sure to check the full recipe for all the details on how to make this delicious jam. To start, you need to chop the figs. - First, wash the figs under cold water. - Pat them dry with a clean towel. - Remove the stems and cut them into small pieces. This will help the figs break down when cooking. Next, measure your sugar and spices carefully. - Use a dry measuring cup for the sugar. - For the ground cinnamon and red pepper flakes, use measuring spoons. Accurate measurements help balance the flavors of your jam. Now, let's combine the ingredients in the pot. - In a large mixing pot, add chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. - Stir the mixture until it's evenly combined. Place the pot over medium heat. - Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring often. This step helps the sugar dissolve. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. - Let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. - Stir frequently to prevent sticking. As it cooks, you will see it thicken. To check if your jam is ready, do the cold plate test. - Drop a spoonful of jam onto a cold plate. - Wait a minute and see if it holds its shape. If it stays put and does not run, your jam is ready! Other signs include a thickened texture and a rich, sweet aroma. Once ready, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. You can find the full recipe in the previous section. One big mistake is overcooking your jam. This can make it too thick and sticky. On the flip side, undercooking can leave you with a runny mess. Always watch the time while simmering. Aim for 30 to 40 minutes. Another issue is not sterilizing your jars. This step is key to keeping your jam fresh. Always wash jars in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher. Then, heat them in the oven or boiling water before filling. You can boost your fig jam's taste with citrus. Lemon juice works well. It adds a bright flavor that balances the sweetness. You could also try orange juice for a sweeter note. Adjusting spice levels can make your jam unique. If you like a kick, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the amount. You can also play with sweetness. If you want less sugar, try honey instead. Serve your Sweet & Spicy Fig Jam in a nice bowl. Pair it with cream cheese or soft goat cheese. This adds a creamy texture that complements the jam. For a fun display, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. You can also add fresh fig slices around the bowl. This makes your dish look inviting and colorful. {{image_4}} You can boost your fig jam with fresh herbs. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary gives it a unique twist. The earthiness of thyme pairs well with the sweet figs. Rosemary adds a fragrant touch that elevates the flavor. Just chop a small amount and stir it in during cooking. You can also mix figs with other fruits. Pairing figs with berries or peaches creates a delightful blend. Berries add a tartness that balances the sweetness of figs. Peaches bring a juicy, fresh element that enhances the jam. If you want to swap sugar, try honey or maple syrup. Honey adds a floral note, while maple syrup gives a rich, earthy flavor. These options can make your jam taste different, yet just as sweet. For health-conscious cooks, low-sugar options are available. You can use pectin to thicken the jam without much sugar. This helps maintain a good texture while cutting calories. You can also reduce the sugar in the original recipe. Just keep in mind that less sugar may alter the taste and shelf life. Explore these variations to make your fig jam truly your own! For the full recipe, check out the Sweet & Spicy Fig Jam section above. To keep your homemade fig jam fresh, you need to use sterilized jars. Start by washing the jars in hot soapy water. Rinse them well. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. This step kills germs. Let the jars cool before filling them with jam. After you fill the jars, seal them tightly. You want to keep air out. Store the jars in a cool, dark place. A pantry works well. For longer-lasting freshness, place opened jars in the fridge. This way, your jam stays tasty for weeks. Homemade fig jam lasts about three weeks in the fridge. If you keep it at room temperature, it won’t last long. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s better to toss it. When you open a jar, use a clean spoon each time. This helps prevent germs from getting in. If you notice the jam is runny or has changed color, it may be spoiled. Trust your senses; they are great guides! Homemade fig jam can last up to three weeks in the fridge. Store it in a clean jar. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. To freeze fig jam, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to a year in the freezer. You can use dried figs, but the texture will be different. Dried figs are chewier and less juicy than fresh figs. This will change the jam's texture. If using dried figs, chop them finely and soak them in water for a few hours. This helps soften them. You may also need to adjust the sugar level since dried figs are sweeter. Fig jam is great on toast, scones, or biscuits. You can spread it on cheese for a tasty snack. It pairs well with cream cheese or goat cheese. Try mixing it into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet twist. You can also use fig jam in savory dishes, like glazes for meats or sauces for salads. To make fig jam less sweet, reduce the sugar by one-fourth. You can also add more lemon juice to balance the flavors. This gives a nice tartness. If you want to keep it sweet but lower the sugar, use honey. Honey has a different sweetness level, so taste as you go. This post outlined how to make delicious fig jam. We talked about fresh ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. Choose fresh figs for the best taste and follow careful measuring. Remember to avoid common mistakes when cooking. You can also mix flavors and adjust sweetness to fit your taste. Store your jam properly and watch for spoilage. With practice, your fig jam can impress friends and family! Enjoy making, sharing, and tasting your creations.

Simple Fig Jam

Discover the perfect balance of sweetness and heat with this Sweet & Spicy Fig Jam recipe! Made with fresh figs, sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of spice, this delightful jam is easy to prepare and perfect for pairing with cheese or spreading on toast. Learn how to create this gourmet treat at home in just under an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your breakfast or snack game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds fresh figs, stems removed and finely chopped

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your preferred spice level)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

In a large mixing pot, combine the finely chopped figs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

    Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This helps to dissolve the sugar evenly throughout the mixture.

      Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. As it simmers, the mixture will thicken and take on a jam-like consistency.

        To test the consistency of the jam, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate. Allow it to sit for about a minute. If it holds its shape and does not run, your jam is ready!

          Remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly to preserve freshness.

            Let the jam cool completely at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes

                - Total Time: 50 minutes

                  - Servings: Approximately 4 cups

                    Presentation Tips: Serve your Sweet & Spicy Fig Jam in a charming small bowl alongside cream cheese or soft goat cheese on a cheese board. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a few fresh fig slices for an inviting touch.