If you love the cozy, rich flavors of autumn in a jar, the Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is going to be your new kitchen hero. This delightful concoction marries the natural sweetness and unique texture of fresh figs with the toasty crunch of hazelnuts, all spiced gently with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to create a preserve that’s bursting with character. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and warm notes that can elevate morning toast, cheeses, or even desserts. Once you try this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand for every season’s celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these preserves is refreshingly straightforward, with each ingredient playing an essential role in the final flavor and texture. The fresh figs offer a luscious base, while the sugar helps achieve that perfect jammy consistency and sweetness. Hazelnuts bring in a satisfying crunch and nutty depth, and the warm spices infuse the preserve with an inviting aroma. Lastly, powdered fruit pectin is your secret weapon for that ideal gel-like finish.
- 2 pounds fresh figs, stemmed and quartered: Use ripe, fragrant figs for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the tartness and helps with preservation, so don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs wonderfully with figs.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, comforting spice note that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds subtle depth and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a hint of brightness and spice to lighten the rich flavors.
- 1 packet (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin: Essential for achieving the perfect preserve consistency.
How to Make Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing your quartered figs, sugar, chopped hazelnuts, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and powdered fruit pectin into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. This is where all the magic begins, as the ingredients come together to create the foundation of your preserve.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a vigorous boil. Keep stirring constantly to make sure the mixture doesn’t stick or burn. This boiling step is vital because it activates the pectin, which helps the preserves thicken.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to encourage even cooking and to prevent scorching. During this time, the fruit softens, the flavors meld, and the mixture thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Cool and Store
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow your preserves to cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer the mixture into sterilized jars and seal them tightly if you plan to store them long-term. Otherwise, they are ready to enjoy right away!
How to Serve Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts or a fresh fig slice on top of your preserves goes a long way for presentation and adds a lovely bite when serving. A light dusting of cinnamon can also enhance both the look and aroma.
Side Dishes
These preserves shine alongside creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, cracking crackers, or a fresh baguette. They also make an irresistible accompaniment to roasted meats or can brighten up a simple yogurt bowl for breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spread your Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe over warm pancakes or swirl it into oatmeal for a fruity boost. Try using it as a topping on vanilla ice cream or incorporate it in baked goods, like thumbprint cookies or tarts, to add surprising bursts of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once sealed in sterilized jars, the preserves can be stored in a cool, dark place and should keep well for several months. After opening, refrigeration is necessary to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe for longer than a few months, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.
Reheating
This preserve is best served at room temperature or chilled, but if you want to warm it slightly for spreading, do so gently in a small saucepan over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid breaking down the delicate fruit.
FAQs
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh ones?
While dried figs can be used in a pinch, fresh figs provide the most vibrant flavor and texture for this preserve. If you do use dried, you’ll want to rehydrate them first and expect a slightly different consistency.
Do I have to use hazelnuts or can I substitute another nut?
Hazelnuts are ideal because of their unique flavor and crunch, but you can substitute walnuts or pecans if desired. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste slightly.
How long does it take for the preserves to set properly?
With powdered fruit pectin, the preserves typically set during the cooking process itself and continue to firm up as they cool. Expect them to be ready to spread within a few hours of cooling.
Is it necessary to sterilize the jars before storing?
Yes, sterilizing jars is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure your preserves stay fresh and safe to eat over time.
Can I adjust the spice levels to suit my taste?
Absolutely! This Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is quite forgiving—feel free to add more or less cinnamon, cloves, or ginger to match your personal spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own preserves, and this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves Recipe is a rewarding, delicious way to enjoy the enchanting flavors of fresh figs all year round. Whether you spread it on toast, pair it with cheese, or use it creatively in desserts, it’s a must-try that’s bound to become a treasured favorite. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of everyone you share it with!
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
Description
This Fig and Hazelnut Preserves recipe combines ripe fresh figs with crunchy hazelnuts and warm spices to create a deliciously textured spread. Sweetened with sugar and enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, this preserve is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or using as a topping for desserts. The addition of powdered fruit pectin ensures a perfect set with a lovely consistency. Quick to make, this recipe yields a batch that can be stored in sterilized jars and enjoyed over time.
Ingredients
Preserve 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, combine the quartered fresh figs, sugar, chopped hazelnuts, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and powdered fruit pectin. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Boil Mixture: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure the sugar dissolves properly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and let the preserve simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the preserve cool slightly. For long-term storage, pour the warm preserves into sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating or storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Ensure jars are sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
- Stir constantly when bringing the mixture to a boil to avoid burning the figs.
- The powdered fruit pectin helps the preserves set properly—do not omit.
- Let preserves cool completely before sealing jars to avoid condensation.
- Store preserves in a cool, dark place or refrigerate after opening.
