Apricot Citrus Preserves Recipes

APRICOT PRESERVES

Steps:

• Select good clean apricots. Wash then, cut in two, and take out the stone, pull out any stem, it could be cut, but shouldn't need to be.
• Put them into a saucepan or soup pot. Add enough water, to just have them float, or be barely covered.
• Season them with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon.
• Bring to the simmer, and cook, covered until they are quite tender, but not falling apart, 20-25 minutes approximately.
• Do one of two things, purée the apricots, with their water, in a food processor, in batches, or mash with a masher, for a chunkier consistency.
• In either case, measure or weigh, the pulp, and add back to it, in the pan, an equal volume of sugar.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, and cook until the mixture is set, 212-220 degrees f, on a candy thermometer.
• Bottle and process for 7 minutes.
• Enjoy.

SPICED APRICOT GINGER PRESERVES

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in 1-quart saucepan.
• Heat to boiling; boil 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
• Spoon into gift jar. Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 months.

APRICOT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Put a couple of small plates in the freezer. Halve and stone the apricots, chop the flesh, then put in a large pan with the apple juice. Crack some of the kernels to extract the nut inside (this is easy to do if you crack with the flat side of a heavy saucepan), then add them to the pan - this is optional, but gives extra flavour. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 mins, until the apricots are softened.
• Stir in the sugar and lemon juice, then stir well over a moderate heat to dissolve the sugar. Increase the heat and boil for about 20 mins until jam has set. Test by spooning a little jam onto one of your cold plates. After a moment push the jam with your finger; if the jam wrinkles, it is ready. If not, return to the boil for a further 5 mins, then test again.
• Remove from the heat, skim off any scum, then stir in the butter to dissolve any remaining scum. Cool for 10 mins, stir again, then ladle into warm sterilised jars. Seal, label, then store in the fridge for 4-6 weeks.

APRICOT-CITRUS PRESERVES

Steps:

• Combine the apricots, raisins, oranges and lemon (both zest and juice), coriander, cinnamon, wine and water in a bowl; toss to combine thoroughly; leave overnight.
• The next day, put the fruit and liquid into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer; simmer gently until the fruit is very tender, about 1 hour; add sugar and bring to a fast boil; boil about 12-18 minutes, or until a small amount of the fruit liquid, dropped onto a saucer and allowed to cool, wrinkles when your run your finger through it (this shows that the jam will 'set' once cool); stir in cashews, if using, and almond extract.
• You can put up the preserves in canning jars in the usual way, or just keep refrigerated.

CARROTS WITH APRICOT PRESERVES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Bring carrots and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and steam until the carrots are just tender, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir together the apricot preserves, cornstarch, dried apricots, and raisins in a saucepan. Place over medium heat, and cook until the mixture bubbles, thickens, and turns clear, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Once the carrots have cooked, drain, and stir into the apricot preserves. Pour into a baking dish, and bake in preheated oven until the sauce has thickened further, and turned light brown, about 15 minutes.

CITRUS-APRICOT VEGETABLE GLAZE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the preserves, butter, orange zest, lemon juice, salt and nutmeg. Yield: about 1/2 cup., For carrots and zucchini: Trim ends from vegetables. With a vegetable peeler, cut very thin slices down the length of each carrot and zucchini, making long ribbons. , Place carrots in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 2 minutes. Add zucchini; cover and steam 2-3 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with glaze; toss to coat. Serve with a slotted spoon. Yield: 8 servings., For peas: Place peas in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with glaze; toss to coat. Serve with a slotted spoon.,