If you adore the rich, natural sweetness of ripe figs combined with the toasty crunch of hazelnuts, then this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a luscious spread that captures the essence of fresh figs with a warm spice blend and a delightful nutty twist. Whether you’re dolloping it onto toast, swirling it into yogurt, or offering it as a gift, this preserves recipe is a heartfelt way to celebrate simple, seasonal ingredients in a jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but vital ingredients is the first step toward making your Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe truly unforgettable. Each component works in harmony to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- 2 pounds fresh figs, stemmed and quartered: The star of the recipe, fresh figs provide natural sweetness and a lovely texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Enhances the figs’ flavor and helps the preserves set perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts: Adds a wonderful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to complement the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that elevates the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the figs.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing to brighten the preserves.
- 1 packet (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin: Essential for thickening the preserves to a perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Begin by placing your stemmed, quartered figs into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the sugar, chopped hazelnuts, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and powdered fruit pectin. This mixture is where the magic starts, setting the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Bring to Boil
Turn your heat to high and begin stirring constantly. As the mixture heats, the sugar dissolves and the pectin activates, pulling everything together. This step is crucial to ensure your preserves won’t separate or crystallize later.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the preserves from sticking to the pan, while allowing the fruit and spices to deepen in flavor and thicken.
Step 4: Cool and Store
After simmering, take the pan off the heat and let the preserves cool slightly. This cooling period helps the preserves set more firmly once jarred. Pour the warm mixture into sterilized jars and seal tightly for freshness and shelf stability.
How to Serve Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
Garnishes
To make your preserves even more irresistible, consider topping your dish with a few extra chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon. These simple garnishes add texture and visual appeal that make this spread even more inviting on any table.
Side Dishes
This Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of breads and cheeses. Try it atop crusty baguette slices, creamy brie, or sharp cheddar for a quick and impressive snack or appetizer. It also complements roasted meats brilliantly, adding a touch of sweetness to savory plates.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by swirling the preserves into vanilla yogurt or ricotta cheese for a luxurious breakfast treat. You can also use it as a filling for pastries or mix it into oatmeal for a cozy morning boost. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find you have extra preserves, keep them in airtight jars in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last up to 3 weeks, allowing you to enjoy that fig and hazelnut goodness well beyond the initial batch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing your Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is a smart move. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. When frozen, the preserves remain delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen preserves, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to bring back that fresh-spread texture, gently warm the preserves on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to reincorporate any separated liquid.
FAQs
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh for this recipe?
While fresh figs are ideal for this preserves recipe because of their natural moisture, you could use dried figs by rehydrating them overnight. However, the texture and flavor may be a bit different, so fresh is definitely preferred.
Are hazelnuts essential for the preserves?
Hazelnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty note, but if you have allergies or prefer something else, walnuts or almonds could be substituted with a slightly different flavor profile.
How long do the preserves last once opened?
Once opened, keep the preserves refrigerated and use within three weeks for the best taste and safety.
Is powdered fruit pectin necessary for thickening?
Pectin is what helps the preserves gel and thicken properly. Without it, your mixture may remain too runny, so it’s a key ingredient in this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe.
Can I make this recipe with less sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly; however, sugar not only sweetens but also helps preserve the spread and improves the texture. Reducing it too much might impact the final consistency and shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Making this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is like capturing a little jar of happiness. The combination of sweet figs, warm spices, and crunchy hazelnuts is a true celebration of flavor and texture that feels both cozy and luxurious. I encourage you to try it soon—trust me, spreading this on a slice of fresh bread is pure magic you’ll want to keep sharing.
Print
Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fig and Hazelnut Preserves recipe combines fresh figs with aromatic spices and crunchy hazelnuts to create a deliciously textured and flavorful spread. Perfect for toast, cheese boards, or as a sweet addition to various dishes, this preserve is quick to make with just 30 minutes of total prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh figs, stemmed and quartered
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 packet (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, mix together the quartered fresh figs, sugar, chopped hazelnuts, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and powdered fruit pectin to ensure all flavors are well incorporated.
- Boil Mixture: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir constantly during this time to prevent sticking and to help dissolve the sugar and pectin.
- Simmer the Preserves: Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the preserves from sticking to the bottom and to let the flavors meld.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pan from heat and let the preserves cool slightly. Once cooled to a warm temperature, transfer the preserves into sterilized jars, sealing them tightly for storage or serving.
Notes
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
- Use fresh, ripe figs for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Adjust sugar quantities according to your taste or dietary needs.
- Store preserves in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for optimal freshness.
