Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 cups of peeled and chopped peaches
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or food processor
- Canning jars with lids and bands
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches have softened and the mixture has thickened, about 30-40 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender or food processor, puree the peach mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
5. Return the pot to the heat and continue cooking the peach butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until it has thickened to your desired consistency, about 20-30 minutes.
6. While the peach butter is cooking, sterilize your canning jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars in the hot water until you are ready to use them.
7. Once the peach butter has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and carefully ladle the hot mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
8. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and place the lids and bands on the jars.
9. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly.
10. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking the peach mixture, low heat for cooking the peach butter
Serving size:
Makes about 4-5 cups of peach butter
Nutritional information:
Calories: 50 per tablespoon
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra spice.
Variations:
- You can add a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet and creamy flavor.
- You can add a few tablespoons of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir the peach mixture frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot.
- Be careful when blending the hot peach mixture to avoid splatters and burns.
- Use a canning funnel to make it easier to fill the jars without making a mess.
- Label the jars with the date and contents for easy reference.
Storage instructions:
Store the peach butter in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Reheating instructions:
Warm the peach butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the peach butter on toast, biscuits, or pancakes. You can also use it as a filling for cakes or pastries.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped nuts or fresh herbs on top of the peach butter for a decorative touch.
Pairings:
Peach butter pairs well with cheese, crackers, and wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve peach butter with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peach butter is too thin, continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- If the peach butter is too thick, you can add a splash of water or fruit juice to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Always use clean, sterilized jars and equipment when canning.
- Follow proper canning procedures to ensure that the jars are sealed properly and the food is safe to eat.
- Discard any jars that are cracked or have a broken seal.
Food history:
Peach butter is a traditional Southern recipe that dates back to the 19th century. It was a popular way to preserve the summer harvest of peaches for use throughout the year.
Flavor profiles:
Peach butter has a sweet, fruity flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve peach butter as a spread on toast, biscuits, or pancakes. You can also use it as a filling for cakes or pastries.
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