Iraqi Apple Preserve Recipes

APPLE JAM (APPLE PIE IN A JAR)

Steps:

• Combine apples, white sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a pot; bring to a rolling boil. Cook at a boil, stirring occasionally, until fruit is soft and jam gelling point (220 degrees F (104 degrees C) is reached, at least 45 minutes. Put a small amount of jam on a cold plate; freeze for several minutes. If the mixture is gelled, it is ready to process in a canner.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack apple jam into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

IRAQI APPLE PRESERVE

Steps:

• Peel, cut in half and core the apples and drop them in a bowl of water with 3/4 of the lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
• Make a syrup by boiling the sugar and water with the remaining lemon juice, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until very thick.
• Drain the apples and drop them into the syrup.
• Simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and the syrup has become thick again.
• Add the rose water and cook, stirring, for a moment more.
• Lift out the apples and place them in a serving bowl or in jars. Pour the syrup over the apples.

APPLE JAM

Steps:

• Put a small plate in the freezer. Tip the chopped apple and caster sugar into a large saucepan along with 350ml of water and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• Cook gently, stirring regularly, for 30 mins until the apples have collapsed.
• Stir in the lemon juice, add the cinnamon stick and simmer gently for another 2-3 mins until the mixture is thick and glossy.
• Remove the small plate from the freezer and drop a little of the mix onto it. Leave for a few seconds - it should be fairly firm. If it's still a little runny, put the pan back of the heat and simmer for another 10-15 mins. Put the plate back in the freezer and test again, it should now be ready.
• Divide between clean, sterilised jars and seal. Will keep for three months in a cool, dry place. Once opened, chill and use within one month.

APPLE PRESERVES

Steps:

• In an 8-quart pot, combine apples, apple juice, lemon juice, and butter.
• Over medium heat, bring the apple mixture to a boil; decrease heat and simmer, covered, until the apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
• Remove the cover; add in sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring gently between each addition.
• Heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
• Stir in all the pectin; return to a full boil, stirring constantly.
• Boil, stirring constantly, 1minute.
• Remove pan from heat; skim off any foam.
• Gently stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon until combined.
• To prevent floating fruit, allow the preserves to cool 5 minutes before filling the jars.
• Gently stir the preserves to distribute the fruit.
• Ladle the preserves into hot sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
• Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp cloth.
• Cover hot lids and apply screw rings.
• Process half-pint jars in a 200° F water bath for 10 minutes; pint jars for 15 minutes.

APPLE PRESERVES WITH CARDAMOM

Steps:

• Place apples in a medium heavy pan and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons water, plus other remaining ingredients. Bring to a slow simmer for about a half-hour or until apples are soft.
• Remove from heat and cover pan for 20 minutes. Serve immediately or transfer to a jar with a lid. Refrigerated, apples will keep for at least a week.