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Flavorful Spiced Nectarine Apricot Preserves with Vanilla

spiced nectarine apricot preserves - featured image
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A lively, textured homemade preserve bursting with layers of flavor from ripe nectarines, apricots, warm spices, and a subtle vanilla twist. Perfect for toast, yogurt, or cheese boards.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chopped nectarines (about 6 medium nectarines), ripe but firm
  • 3 cups chopped apricots (about 8–10 medium apricots), fresh
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Wash nectarines and apricots thoroughly. Remove pits and chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine chopped nectarines, apricots, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the pot and add the pod. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise.
  4. Place pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Stir every few minutes, breaking down larger fruit pieces if a softer texture is desired. Cook until mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency that wrinkles when pushed with a finger.
  6. Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and vanilla pod. Stir the preserves one final time.
  7. Ladle hot preserves into sterilized glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal lids, and let cool to room temperature.
  8. Refrigerate if consuming within weeks or process in a water bath canner for long-term storage.

Notes

Use firm but ripe nectarines and apricots for best texture. Vanilla bean pod adds richer flavor than extract. For less sweet preserves, reduce sugar to 1 ½ cups but note it affects preservation. Simmer gently to avoid burning and maintain chunky texture. Sterilize jars properly for long-term storage. Variations include swapping star anise for cloves or cardamom, or using honey/maple syrup instead of sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: nectarine preserves, apricot jam, homemade preserves, vanilla bean, spiced jam, fruit preserves, easy jam recipe

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/flavorful-spiced-nectarine-apricot-preserves-recipe-easy-homemade-vanilla-twist/