Apricot Jam

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make apricot jam? Start by gathering your ingredients. Choose apricots that are ripe, juicy, and free of bruises or spoilage. Depending on how sweet they are, you can adjust the amount of sugar slightly to taste.

2. Step 2:

   

   Rinse the apricots well under running water to remove any dirt. Pit them and cut into a few pieces each so they cook down faster—no need to chop them fine. Place the cut apricots in a bowl.

3. Step 3:

   

   Cover the apricots generously with sugar. Give them a shake so the sugar distributes more evenly. Let them sit for a few hours to release their juice—overnight is best.

4. Step 4:

   

   By now the apricots have given off plenty of juice. You're ready to start cooking.

5. Step 5:

   

   Transfer the whole mixture to a cooking pot and set it over the heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Simmer the apricots for about 15 minutes, until they soften.

6. Step 6:

   

   Then purée everything however is easiest—a meat grinder, a countertop blender, or an immersion blender all work. Return the purée to the heat and simmer for another 10–15 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises. The longer the apricots cook, the thicker the jam will be.

7. Step 7:

   

   Prepare your jars. Wash them well under running water and rinse, then sterilize however you like—in the microwave, in the oven, or over hot steam. Pour boiling water over the lids.

8. Step 8:

   

   Ladle the apricot jam into the prepared jars and seal with the lids. Let cool, then store in a cool place. Come winter, it's such a treat to open up a jar of summer! Enjoy.