Description
Irresistible homemade apricot jam chocolate fruit and nut bars blend sweet and nutty flavors in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat. Rich chocolate and tangy apricot create a perfect harmony that will satisfy cravings and bring joy to dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit:
- 4.8 pounds (2.2 kilograms) apricots
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
Sugar:
- 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- No additional ingredients listed in the original recipe
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and dry glass jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water to sterilize.
- Chill 2-3 small plates in the freezer for jam consistency testing later.
- Prepare water bath canner by adding rack and filling with water deep enough to cover jars by 2 inches.
- Carefully slice apricots in half, removing pits, and extract fresh lemon juice.
- Combine prepared apricots, lemon juice, and sugar in a heavy stainless steel saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir mixture constantly until sugar dissolves and bring to a rolling boil, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Continue boiling for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and skimming off foam.
- Check jam consistency using candy thermometer – target temperature is 220°F (104°C).
- Alternatively, test jam by placing a small amount on frozen plate; if it wrinkles when touched, it’s ready.
- Warm jars in canner or oven to prevent thermal shock when adding hot jam.
- Carefully ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles by gently tapping jars and wipe rim edges clean.
- Seal jars with lids, tightening bands until fingertip-tight.
- Submerge sealed jars in boiling water bath, ensuring 1 inch water coverage.
- Process jars for 10 minutes, adjusting time for altitude if necessary.
- Allow jars to rest in canner for 5 minutes after processing.
- Transfer jars to towel and let cool completely for 24 hours.
- Verify seal by pressing lid – it should not move up or down.
- Store unsealed jars in refrigerator or reprocess immediately.
- Refrigerate opened jam and consume within one month.
Notes
- Choose ripe, slightly soft apricots for maximum flavor and natural sweetness, ensuring your jam has a rich, deep taste.
- Skim foam consistently during cooking to maintain a clear, glossy jam texture and prevent cloudiness.
- Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning, helping the jam cook smoothly and consistently.
- Try adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist on traditional apricot jam, enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 177
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg