Some mornings, you need nothing more than a biscuit with lots of butter and jam. I think I have the perfect jam for this occasion.
This jam is inspired by the rustic jams that I buy to serve on sandwiches, toast, and other things. I have wanted to make my jam for some time but was intimidated by the whole process. I was intimidated by the process of making jam. I tried to make it, but I didn’t know how.
Ingredients are modest and inexpensive, and only one bowl is needed. It takes about an hour to make, but it is well worth it. This jam is perfect for the warmer weather and all of its delicious foods. I have already spread mine on waffles and freshly baked bread, as well as on top of my favorite cream cheese toast. The cream cheese’s tanginess pairs well with the sweet jam. I think I am in love.
If you don’t like oranges, feel free to substitute another fruit. Strawberries, as well as persimmons and blackberries, would be lovely. I think I’ll make a lot of homemade jams this summer. I can’t wait.
Ingredients
- Five cups sweet orange segments (8 medium navel oranges, peeled & quartered).
- 1 Tbsp fresh orange zest
- Cane sugar, raw and natural (less, if you like it less sweet, but it will thicken it)
- Fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup
- Juice of 1/2 medium lemon
- Two sprigs of fresh thyme (chopped/ 2 sprigs will yield about 1 Tbsp.)
- Sea salt, one pinch
Instructions
- Stirring frequently, bring oranges, orange, and lemon juices, as well as sugar, to a simmer in a large pan over medium or medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add a pinch of salt. Stir. Add thyme and orange zest and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Continue to cook until the mixture has reduced by around a third. Be patient, as it may take an hour to reach the syrupy consistency. If you add a little more sugar, it will thicken more.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer into clean jars and keep in the refrigerator. The preserves will last for about two weeks. Use freezer-safe canning containers to prevent cracking when storing in the freezer.