Fig And Hazelnut Preserves Recipe

The Irresistible Fig And Hazelnut Preserves Recipe You’ll Love

Autumn’s golden light casts a warm glow on this delectable fig and hazelnut preserves recipe that celebrates seasonal bounty.

Sweet, ripe figs burst with rich flavor when carefully combined with toasted hazelnuts.

Slow-simmered to perfection, each spoonful captures the essence of rustic elegance.

Nutty undertones dance alongside the deep, honeyed notes of fresh figs.

This preserve serves as a stunning companion to morning toast or an elegant cheese platter.

Crafted with simple ingredients and minimal effort, the recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every remarkable bite of this homemade treasure.

Storing Fig Hazelnut Preserves for Weeks

  • Store preserves in clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Transfer cooled preserves to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, and freeze for up to 6 months, maintaining the rich taste and texture.
  • Warm preserves slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, or microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
  • Remove frozen preserves from the freezer and let them thaw naturally in the refrigerator overnight for the best consistency and flavor preservation.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need to make Fig and Hazelnut Preserves?

You’ll need fresh figs, sugar, hazelnuts, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and powdered fruit pectin.

  • Can I use different types of nuts in this preserve?

While hazelnuts are recommended, you can experiment with almonds or walnuts for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • How long will these preserves last?

When properly sealed and stored in sterilized jars, these preserves can last up to 6 months in a cool, dark pantry.

  • Is this preserve good for breakfast or dessert?

This versatile preserve works wonderfully as a spread on toast, as a topping for yogurt, or as a sweet accompaniment to cheese platters.

Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Are a Tasty Gift

  • Create Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
  • Wow Your Guests: Impress friends and family with a show-stopping cake that combines rich chocolate and bright, tangy raspberries in every delightful bite.
  • Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn advanced baking skills like making ganache and fruit filling, boosting your confidence in the kitchen.
  • Celebrate Special Moments: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for an extraordinary dessert that feels truly luxurious.

Ingredient List for Fig Hazelnut Preserves

Fruits:
  • Figs: Fresh and sweet fruits that provide the base for the preserves.
  • Hazelnut: Crunchy nuts that add texture and rich, nutty flavor to the preserves.
Sweeteners and Thickeners:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in preserving the fruit mixture.
  • Powdered Fruit Pectin: Natural thickening agent that helps set the preserves.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the depth of flavor and provide a complex, aromatic profile to the preserves.

Cooking Steps for Fig Hazelnut Preserves

Step 1: Prep the Fruity Mixture

In a spacious saucepan, toss together these delightful ingredients:
  • Fresh figs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Roasted hazelnuts
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Whole cloves
  • Powdered ginger
  • Fruit pectin

Combine all these wonderful components, letting their aromas mingle and dance.

Step 2: Bring to a Roaring Boil

Crank up the heat to high and start stirring with enthusiasm.

Watch as the mixture transforms, bubbling and swirling with energy. Keep your wooden spoon moving constantly to prevent any sticky situations from developing.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Lower the heat to a gentle medium flame. Let the preserve mixture simmer lazily, occasionally giving it a loving stir.

This is where the magic happens – the figs will soften, the nuts will release their rich flavor, and everything will meld together into a luscious spread.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

After 10 minutes of simmering, take the pan off the heat.

Let the preserve cool down slightly, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify. The result will be a rich, complex spread that’s perfect for slathering on toast, pairing with cheese, or enjoying straight from the spoon.

Notes for Sweet and Nutty Preserves

  • Keep mixing while boiling to prevent burning and ensure even sugar distribution throughout the preserve.
  • Lightly roast hazelnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the preserve.
  • Test preserve's thickness by placing a small amount on a cold plate – it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
  • Adjust sugar quantity based on fig sweetness to maintain balanced flavor without overwhelming natural fruit taste.
  • Keep preserve in sterilized glass jars in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.

Mix-Ins to Try in Fig Hazelnut Jams

  • Seasonal Berry Variation: Swap figs with fresh strawberries or mixed berries for a bright, summer-inspired preserve.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content and use a sugar-free pectin alternative for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Spice Blend Adaptation: Experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice instead of traditional spices for a unique flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Nut Swap: Replace hazelnuts with almonds or pecans for individuals with specific nut allergies or preferences.

What to Spread Fig Hazelnut Preserves On

  • Pair Sweet Wines with Preserve Depth: Moscato d'Asti or late-harvest Riesling complement the rich fig and hazelnut flavors, enhancing the preserve's sweetness with their light, honeyed notes.
  • Create Cheese Board Harmony: Aged gouda, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese provide perfect contrasting textures and flavors that beautifully highlight the preserve's complex spice profile.
  • Elevate Breakfast Experience: Spread the preserve on warm, buttery croissants or toasted artisan sourdough bread for a luxurious morning treat that brings out the nutty, fruity essence.
  • Match Dessert Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream or mascarpone panna cotta serve as elegant bases, allowing the preserve's cinnamon and ginger undertones to shine through deliciously.
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Fig And Hazelnut Preserves Recipe

Fig And Hazelnut Preserves Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rustic fig and hazelnut preserves bring Mediterranean sunshine onto your breakfast table, dancing with rich nutty undertones and sweet fruit essence. Spoon this luxurious spread over warm toast or swirl into creamy yogurt for an indulgent culinary moment you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) fresh figs, stemmed and quartered
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped hazelnuts

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Thickening Agent:

  • 1 packet (49.6 grams or 1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin

Instructions

  1. Gather ripe, plump figs and prepare all ingredients for the preserve creation.
  2. Select a spacious, heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution during cooking.
  3. Combine chopped figs, granulated sugar, roughly crushed hazelnuts, warm cinnamon, aromatic cloves, and zesty ginger into the pan.
  4. Sprinkle powdered fruit pectin evenly across the mixture to help with proper thickening.
  5. Position pan over high heat, stirring vigorously to prevent ingredient settling and promote uniform mixture.
  6. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, continuously whisking to prevent scorching and ensure ingredient integration.
  7. Reduce temperature to medium, creating a gentle simmer that allows flavors to meld and preserve to develop richness.
  8. Continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes, periodically stirring to maintain consistent texture and prevent sticking.
  9. Remove pan from heat source, allowing preserve to rest and gradually cool for optimal consistency.
  10. Transfer preserve to sterilized glass containers while still slightly warm for easy pouring and sealing.
  11. Let preserve cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating, which will help it set and intensify its complex flavor profile.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, fresh figs for the most vibrant and sweet flavor in your preserves.
  • Toast hazelnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty richness and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Use a low-sugar pectin if you want to reduce overall sugar content without compromising the jam’s texture.
  • Consider adding a splash of orange zest or bourbon for an unexpected and sophisticated flavor twist that complements the fig and hazelnut combination.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 171
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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