Homemade Fig and Hazelnut Preserves

Capture the essence of late summer and early autumn with this rustic Fig and Hazelnut Preserves recipe. This is the perfect way to transform an abundance of fresh, luscious figs into a jewel-toned spread that can be enjoyed for months to come. The deep, honeyed sweetness of the figs is beautifully balanced by the rich, earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts, creating a preserve that is both elegant and comforting.

Making your own preserves is a deeply satisfying process, and this recipe is simple enough for even a novice canner. The result is a versatile condiment that will instantly elevate everything from your morning toast to a sophisticated cheese platter.

Why You’ll Treasure This Recipe

• A Perfect Pairing: The jammy sweetness of cooked figs and the robust, nutty flavour of toasted hazelnuts are a classic and delightful combination.
• Simple, Natural Ingredients: This recipe celebrates pure flavours, using just figs, hazelnuts, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it spread on bread, swirled into yogurt, served with cheeses, or used as a glaze for roasted meats.
• A Thoughtful Handmade Gift: A beautifully packaged jar of homemade preserves is a wonderful and personal gift for any food lover.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Note: Full measurements are typically found on a recipe card.)

• Fresh Figs: The heart of the recipe. Any variety will work, providing a naturally sweet and jammy base.
• Hazelnuts: Toasted to bring out their deep, nutty character and provide a wonderful textural contrast.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the preserves and acts as a natural preservative, helping it to set and last.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavour, balances the sweetness, and helps the preserve maintain its beautiful colour.
• Water: Used to help break down the figs into a luscious, spreadable consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit and Nuts Wash the fresh figs, trim off the hard stems, and chop them into small, quarter-inch pieces. There’s no need to peel them. To toast the hazelnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in an oven at 350∘F (175∘C) for about 10 minutes. Once cool, roughly chop the nuts.

2. Cook the Preserves In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer.

3. Simmer and Thicken Cook the fig mixture for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The figs will break down and the mixture will thicken into a jam-like consistency. You can use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break down the fruit further if you prefer a smoother texture.

4. Add the Hazelnuts Stir the chopped, toasted hazelnuts into the thickened fig mixture. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

5. Check for Set To test if the preserve is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Spoon a small amount of the hot preserve onto the cold plate and return it to the freezer for one minute. Nudge the preserve with your finger; if it wrinkles, it’s ready. If not, continue cooking for another 5 minutes and test again.

6. Jar the Preserves Ladle the hot preserve carefully into sterilized glass jars, leaving about a ¼-inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, secure the lids tightly, and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store in the refrigerator.

Preparation and Nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12

Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Sugars: 16g
• Fat: 3g
• Protein: 1g

Serving Suggestions and Pro Tips

• Cheese Board Essential: These preserves are a perfect companion to a cheese platter. They pair exceptionally well with goat cheese, brie, Camembert, and aged cheddars.
• Breakfast Upgrade: Spread generously on toast, scones, or croissants. It’s also delicious swirled into oatmeal or Greek yogurt.
• Flavour Enhancements: For a touch of warmth, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a star anise to the pot while the figs cook. Remove it before jarring.
• Long-Term Storage: For shelf-stable preserves, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes according to standard canning procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I can’t find fresh figs? You can substitute with dried figs. Simply rehydrate them by soaking them in hot water for about an hour before chopping and proceeding with the recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds would also be delicious alternatives to hazelnuts.

3. Is it possible to reduce the amount of sugar? You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it is crucial for both the setting and preservation of the jam. Reducing it too much will result in a runnier, less stable preserve.

4. How do I properly sterilize my jars? The easiest method is to wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then place the jars on a baking sheet in a 275∘F (135∘C) oven for 20 minutes. Boil the lids in a small pot of water for 10 minutes.

5. How long will these preserves last? Stored in the refrigerator, the preserves will last for several months. If properly processed in a water bath, they will be shelf-stable for up to a year.

6. Can I make this recipe without nuts? Absolutely. If you prefer a simple fig preserve or have a nut allergy, you can simply omit the hazelnuts.

7. Can I freeze this preserve? Yes. Allow the preserve to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace. It can be frozen for up to a year.

Conclusion

This Fig and Hazelnut Preserve is a simple luxury, bottling the rich, sun-ripened flavour of figs with the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts. The process of creating it is almost as enjoyable as the delicious result. Whether you’re making it for your own pantry or to give as a thoughtful, homemade gift, this recipe provides a wonderful taste of the season that is sure to be savoured and enjoyed.

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