French Peach Jam Recipe

My mum’s French Peach Jam Recipe is a delightful way to capture the essence of summer. This homemade jam is all-natural, free from artificial pectin, and has the perfect consistency that will leave you craving more. Spread it on your morning toast, use it as a filling for pastries, or simply enjoy it straight from the jar. Whether for breakfast or as a special treat at gatherings, this jam is versatile and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh peaches and just sugar and lemon juice, this jam is wholesome and delicious.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal equipment, you can create gourmet-quality jam in your own kitchen.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for breakfast spreads, desserts, or as a gift for friends and family, this jam fits any occasion.
• Rich Flavor: The natural sweetness of peaches shines through, providing a flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting.
• Seasonal Enjoyment: Preserve summer flavors in a jar so you can enjoy them all year long.

Tools and Preparation

To make your French Peach Jam, having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large jam pan
• Hand blender
• Measuring cups
• Kitchen scale
• Clean jam jars with lids

Importance of Each Tool

• Large jam pan: Provides ample space for boiling and ensures even cooking for your peach mixture.
• Hand blender: Makes it easy to achieve your desired consistency without transferring hot ingredients to another container.

Ingredients

My mum’s French peach jam is simple yet satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Jam

• 2.2 Pounds Peach (fresh or frozen)
• 3⅓ Cups Sugar
• 1 Lemon (juice it and keep lemon halves)

How to Make French Peach Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Rinse peaches under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit.
3. Slice peaches into quarters and peel off the skin.

Step 2: Weigh the Peaches

• After peeling, weigh out your prepared peaches using a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Place the peeled peaches into a large jam pan.
• Add sugar, lemon juice, and the squeezed lemon halves to the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture

1. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer for at least 40–50 minutes until fruits are glossy.

Step 5: Blend to Desired Consistency

• Remove lemon halves from the mixture once cooked. Use a hand blender to blend until smooth or leave slightly chunky based on your preference.

Step 6: Test for Setting

1. Continue simmering until jam sets properly.
2. To test if it’s set, drop hot jam on an ice-cold plate; if it runs, cook longer and retest.

Step 7: Prepare Jars

• Before filling jars with hot peach jam, add a few drops of alcohol-free vanilla extract into each lid to inhibit mold growth.

Step 8: Fill Jars

1. Carefully fill clean jars with hot peach jam.
2. Seal tightly with lids and turn jars upside down.

Step 9: Store Properly

• Leave jars upside down for a few hours. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight; refrigerate if you live in humid conditions.

Enjoy making this delightful French Peach Jam recipe!

How to Serve French Peach Jam Recipe

Serving your homemade French Peach Jam can elevate your breakfast or snack time. There are various ways to enjoy this delightful spread that celebrate its sweet and fruity flavor.

On Toast

• Spread the jam generously on toasted bread for a quick and delicious breakfast. The crunch of the toast pairs perfectly with the smooth texture of the jam.

With Cheese

• Create a beautiful cheese platter by pairing French Peach Jam with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The sweetness of the jam complements the creaminess of the cheese.

In Yogurt

• Stir a spoonful of peach jam into your morning yogurt. This adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to your usual breakfast.

As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles

• Use French Peach Jam as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It adds an exciting twist that will please both kids and adults alike.

In Desserts

• Incorporate the jam into desserts like cakes or pastries. A layer of peach jam can enhance flavors in layered cakes or be used as filling in tarts.

With Ice Cream

• Drizzle warm peach jam over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warm jam melts slightly, creating a delightful treat.

How to Perfect French Peach Jam Recipe

To ensure your French Peach Jam turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe peaches: Always choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and texture in your jam.
• Measure sugar accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial to achieve the right sweetness and consistency.
• Test for setting: Always perform a setting test by placing hot jam on a cold plate to check if it holds its shape.
• Stir regularly: Stirring helps prevent burning at the bottom and ensures even cooking.
• Store properly: Use sterilized jars and store them in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices, such as cinnamon or thyme, for an extra layer of complexity.

Best Side Dishes for French Peach Jam Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your French Peach Jam can create delightful combinations that enhance your meals. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cheese Board
   A selection of cheeses such as brie, gouda, and sharp cheddar complements the sweet flavors of peach jam beautifully.

2. Fresh Baguette
   Serve slices of fresh baguette alongside peach jam for a classic French experience that’s perfect for brunch.

3. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and peach jam for a wholesome breakfast option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

4. Savory Scones
   Pair savory scones with peach jam for an interesting contrast between sweet and savory flavors at tea time.

5. Creamy Oatmeal
   Stir in a spoonful of peach jam into creamy oatmeal for added sweetness and fruitiness in your morning bowl.

6. Fruit Salad
   Serve peach jam drizzled over a fresh fruit salad to tie all the flavors together seamlessly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French peach jam can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavor. Always include it to achieve the best taste.
• Not measuring peaches accurately: Accurate measurement ensures proper texture and sweetness. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Ignoring the simmering time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to runny jam. Allow sufficient time for the mixture to thicken properly.
• Overlooking jar sterilization: Using unsterilized jars can cause spoilage. Always sterilize your jars before filling them with jam.
• Not testing for set: Failing to test if the jam has set can result in a runny consistency. Conduct the ice plate test to ensure it’s thick enough.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers or sterilized jars.
• Can last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Peach Jam Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some space at the top.
• Can be stored for up to 1 year in the freezer.

Reheating French Peach Jam Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place jam in an oven-safe container and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place jam in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade French peach jam last?

Homemade peach jam typically lasts up to 3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator and up to a year when frozen.

Can I use frozen peaches for this French peach jam recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure they are thawed and drained before starting your recipe.

What can I do if my French peach jam is too runny?

If your jam hasn’t set properly, return it to heat and continue cooking while testing periodically using the ice plate method.

How do I customize my French peach jam recipe?

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix other fruits such as raspberries or apricots for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

This French peach jam recipe allows you to capture the essence of summer all year round. The simplicity of natural ingredients makes it easy and enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or adjust sweetness levels according to your taste!