Nectarine Vanilla Bean Jam Recipes

Steps:

• Inspect 5 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust; discard any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Measure finely chopped, peeled nectarines; you should have 4 1/2 cups. Add to a heavy pot and immediately mix with lemon juice so they don't turn brown.
• Combine 1/4 cup sugar and fruit pectin in a bowl. Add to nectarines in the pot and stir well. Slowly bring mixture to a full rolling boil that does not stop bubbling when stirred. Add remaining 2 3/4 cups sugar and stir to dissolve, making sure to scrape over the bottom of the pot. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in almond extract.
• Pack nectarine jam into the prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

Steps:

• Cook all ingredients at a very mild boil for 30-minutes.
• *At this point you can add optional spices of your choice such as 1 teaspoons cinnamon, almond extract, or ground ginger, or 1 tblsp. brandy extract; or any favorite combination. Cook for 5 minutes more.
• Skim foam off surface.
• Ladle into sterilized jars.
• Process in boiling water bath for 10-mins.

Steps:

• In pot combine nectarines and lemon juice. Using potato masher, crush the fruit to create a pulp. Scrape the seed from the vanilla beans into the pot. Stir in vanilla bean pods and sugar.
• Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high, bring mixture to a full rolling boil., stirring constantly. Take off heat.
• Quickly stir in pectin. Return to roiling boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Skim off foam, remove and discard vanilla bean pods.
• Ladle into hot sterlized 8 oz jars, leaving 1/4" headspace. Wipe rims and add lids.
• Process in water bath for your recommended altitude.
• To distribute fruit, cool for about 20 minutes, then gently turn and tilt jars without inverting, repeat as needed.
• **Tip: If you like chunkier jam, mash the fruit after cooking before ladling into jars. Also you can leave the skin on the fruit, it's up to you.