Preserves > Jams > Fruit Jams

Beer-Bourbon Peach Jam Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 cups peeled and chopped ripe peaches
- 1 cup beer (pale ale or wheat beer)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Bubble remover tool
- Water bath canner

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chopped peaches, beer, bourbon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the powdered fruit pectin and stir well. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.

3. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface of the jam.

5. Ladle the hot jam into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Use a bubble remover tool to remove any air bubbles.

6. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth. Place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening the bands just until fingertip-tight.

7. Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).

8. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop for 24 hours.

9. Check the seals of the jars by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't move, the jar is sealed. If the lid pops up and down, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Boiling water bath canner: 212°F (100°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 6 half-pint jars of jam.

Nutritional information:
Per 1 tablespoon serving:
Calories: 50
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Peaches: You can substitute nectarines or apricots for the peaches.
- Beer: Use your favorite pale ale or wheat beer. You can also use hard cider instead of beer.
- Bourbon: You can substitute whiskey or brandy for the bourbon.
- Lemon juice: You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.

Variations:
- Spicy Peach Jam: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeño peppers to the jam mixture for a spicy kick.
- Peach-Vanilla Jam: Add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the jam mixture for a sweet, vanilla flavor.
- Peach-Ginger Jam: Add 1-2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger to the jam mixture for a spicy, gingery flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor.
- Stir the jam constantly while it's boiling to prevent scorching.
- Use a canning funnel to make filling the jars easier and less messy.
- Make sure to sterilize your canning jars and equipment before using them.
- Label your jars with the date and type of jam for easy identification.

Storage instructions:
Store the sealed jars of jam in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Reheating instructions:
To serve, simply open a jar of jam and spoon it onto toast, biscuits, or crackers.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the jam in a small bowl with a spoon for spreading.

Garnishes:
Garnish the jam with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of fresh peach.

Pairings:
This jam pairs well with toast, biscuits, crackers, or cheese.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the jam with a side of bacon or sausage for a savory breakfast.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the jam doesn't set properly, you may have undercooked it. You can re-cook the jam with more pectin and sugar to try to get it to set.
- If the jam is too thick, you may have overcooked it. You can add a little water or fruit juice to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
Follow proper canning procedures to ensure the safety of your jam. Make sure to sterilize your jars and equipment, process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for the recommended time, and check the seals of the jars before storing them.

Food history:
Preserving fruit in jars has been a common practice for centuries. The first recorded recipe for peach jam dates back to the 1700s.

Flavor profiles:
This jam has a sweet, fruity flavor with a hint of beer and bourbon.

Serving suggestions:
Spread the jam on toast, biscuits, or crackers for a sweet and savory breakfast or snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Smoky, Boozy, Fruity