Pantry Preserving: Spiced Orange Fig Jam

As some of you may remember, we have a fig tree that we planted as part of our Wedding Ceremony.  So I’m always on the look out for great ways to use figs.  This jam was not only fairly easy to make, it immediately reminded me of the Christmas holidays.  The smells and tastes from the spices combined with the orange and fig were just heavenly.  This will definitely be a go-to recipe when making gifts for the holidays!

This recipe makes three 8-ounce jars (or you can do a combination of 8 ounce and 4 ounce jars as seen above).

Spiced Orange Fig Jam — modified from 250 Home Preserving Favorites

• 3 medium oranges
• 1 lb (3 cups) finely chopped fresh figs (I used brown turkey)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 3-4 whole star anise

Using a fine grater, remove 1 Tbs orange rind and set aside.

Peel oranges and remove all pith, seeds, and membranes.  Chop the fruit into small pieces.

In a large dutch oven, or heavy bottomed pot, combine orange rind, oranges, figs, and sugar.  Let stand for 1 hour.

Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.  Stir in honey and add cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.  (The star anise will be fished out later in the process).

Reduce heat to medium-low and boil gently, stirring often and reducing heat further as mixture thickens.  If fig skins seem tough, use an immersion blender to break down further after 15-20 minutes.

Test for setting point by doing the wrinkle test.  (Take a chilled plate and add about 2 tsp of fig mixture to the plate.  Place in the freezer for 2-3 minutes.  Remove plate and push the mixture with either your finger or a fork.  If it wrinkles, it is set).

Ladle jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space from the rim.  Wipe off any excess jam that may have spilled.  Apply lids and rings and tighten (fingertip tight).

Process the jars for 10 minutes in boiling water bath.