Monday, August 12, 2019

Fig Preserves

My friend, Joyce, has a gorgeous fig tree in her backyard, and two years ago she asked me to make fig preserves for us.  The preserves turned out so tasty, but last year, she didn't get enough figs to make any.  However, this year she happily shared with me and I perfected the recipe to our liking. The preserves are good for a charcuterie board with crackers,  and I like them on my homemade Civil War starter bread, which is filled with lots of wholesome grains.  Joyce likes them on peanut butter bread.  


I have had this teacup planter for years, and this year I planted some succulents in it.  

On the 16th of this month, it will be the 6th Anniversary of my beloved's passing.  I keep this photo of him on the bar of my kitchen. 


You all know that I am a dish lover, and this pretty salad plate comes from a set that my hubby and I discovered when we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Wimberley, TX, that our daughter gave us as a gift.  Of course, while there, I had to peek underneath at the make and name of the dishes.  We found the Berry Delight set by Mikasa, and I have loved them ever since.  Because I like to mix and match, the teacup is from another set that we had early in our marriage, and it is called Brentwood by Adams.  I gave this set to my daughter, but kept back one teacup and one salad plate. 

 These two granddaughters, Ella on the left, and Avery on the right, came over for lunch, cooking, sketching, and school supply shopping.  We made chocolate dipped Oreo cookies and Crunchy Fudge Sandwich cookies in a short time!


Cissy celebrated her 12th birthday with a pool party at her home, with pizza, snacks, and shaved ice from Bahama Bucks!  My daughter received her first letter from Marines boot camp from Connor!  Connor also had prepared a video for Cissy to see on her birthday with wishes from him, and a gift that he had bought her ahead of time.  Of course, there were tears all around. 




Yield: 5 half pints
Author:

Fig Preserves

This a spicy, perfect fig preserve recipe. I've used figs from my friend, Joyce's, fig tree, and made some for her, too.

ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 5 cups fresh figs, stems removed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 and 1/2 cups sugar
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • zest from 1 large lemon
  • juice from 1 large lemon
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • pinch of salt
  • 5 half pint canning jars, with lids and rims

instructions:

How to cook Fig Preserves


  1. Dissolve the baking soda in about 2 quarts of cool water, and immerse the figs in the treated water in a large bowl. Gently stir to wash the figs, then drain off the water and rinse the figs thoroughly with fresh cool water. Place the figs into a large pot. Add 1 cup water, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Very gently stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar, keeping the figs intact as much as possible.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the figs are golden brown and coated in syrup, about 1 hour, or until the preserves are thick enough to your liking.  Stir gently a couple of times to keep the figs from burning onto the bottom of the pot. Add a pinch of salt, if desired, to tame the sweetness.
  3. Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the figs into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
  4.  Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot,
  5. Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 2 days before opening.

NOTES:

I put the hot fig preserves into the sterilized jars, put the lids and rings on, tightened the ring, and placed the jars upside down on a towel for about 5-8 minutes. I then turn the jars right side up and the little button in the center, pops down to ensure the jar is sealed.
Created using The Recipes Generator

I am sharing this with these lovely parties:

20 comments:

  1. How yummy! We are growing fig trees but they are young so they probably won't produce until next year. It is hard to find fresh figs here even though they grow like crazy. The table is so inviting. The kids must love coming to your house knowing they get to have lots of sweets!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy Birthday to Cissy and to your daughter! Cissy may be going by you this year. She’s getting so tall. Connor is such a thoughtful son. What a blessing to his mother and family.

    The granddaughters’ baking and sketches are fabulous. What fun you all have together!

    I sure would like a bite of your fig preserves. They look delicious! What a sweet neighbor to share her fig harvest with you, but then you share preserves with her. Win ~ Win!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I bet the preserves are good. I have never made any but have never been a fan of figs. I have friends that love them. Your grands are adorable Kitty and Happy birthday to that sweet Cissy. So glad that you all have heard from Connor. He is in my prayer journal to lift up to our Lord for ongoing prayers. Love the dishes...but you know my name is Cindy and I am a dishaholic! LOL! Hugs and blessings dear Kitty. Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. We love fresh figs when we can beat the birds to them on our neighbor's tree Kitty! I know your preserves are delicious, what a treat...we're also fans of Dalmatia Fig Spread. Love seeing your grands enjoying 'camp'! I know it must have a relief and treat to get a letter from Connor. Love the pretty photo of you and Cissy, you're so photogenic! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love fig preserves and have made them when I was able to find nice figs at a good price here a few years ago but usually they're quite expensive, unfortunately. How lucky to have a neighbor with a tree and will share with you. I can't believe it's already been 6 years since your dear husband passed away. Sweet memories of him and also love the memories you're making with your grandkids. Great pic of you and Cissy! Happy Birthday to her!

    ReplyDelete
  6. How wonderful to hear from Connor already and what a great surprise video for the birthday girl! Those fig preserves look absolutely fabulous and I want to hear more about that Civil War bread of yours...the combination sounds delicious! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh that is just the sweetest thing that big brother would take the time to make a video for his little sister! What a wonderful big brother. And don't you love school shopping? I always have to buy some new pencils or paper or notebook for myself just because! What a great picture of your husband, and good memories of picking out pretty dishes with him. xo Deborah

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kitty, I can imagine how delicious your fig preserves are! I was hopping to do some canning this year but it was not to be. The girls look so happy to enjoy lunch and more with you. How wonderful that Connor is able to have time to write. Praying for him. xo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kitty, I love fig preserves! Years ago, I worked so hard making some pear preserves but thought my recipe must be wrong because it called for so much sugar so I didn't use as much as the recipe called for. Needless to say they were terrible. I was young and foolish. Haven't tried preserves since.
    Yours look great. Such a pretty table vignette too.
    I'm so glad you heard from Conner. Happy Birthday to Cissy. That is a great picture of you two.
    Looks like Avery and Ella had a great time baking as well.
    Thinking of you as the anniversary of your beloved's passing approaches.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Kitty, homemade fig preserves how divine! I love fig preserves paired with something savory like bacon and blue cheese on a pizza! I have never made preserves or canned anything, it sounds too hard :) I love seeing you having fun with your sweet grands, and how wonderful of Connor to leave Cissy a gift and special birthday message. Your plate and vignette is so pretty, I will be thinking of you especially these next few weeks.
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a gentleman for Connor to think ahead with that beautiful surprise.

    The photo of your dear husband is awesome sitting next to that rock with Love painted on it. It's perfect!

    Your fig preserves sound lovely.
    I enjoy two fig cookies every afternoon and my sweet Donatella enjoys them too.
    Of course she only gets a nibble. ;)

    Enjoy your day Kitty~

    ReplyDelete
  12. OH, I am so thankful you all were able to hear from Connor! And, the photo of your beloved is so special. He looks so happy and at peace. I know you miss him so much, and just think how much sweeter Heaven will be for you one day. Love you, sweet friend, and praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy Belated Birthday to Cissy!Your post is sweet and happy as ever...I love hearing from your adorable Grands,seeing your delicious recipes,admiring your pretty table and beautiful plants!I am glad I stopped by!Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm glad to hear that Cissy had a great birthday. How thoughtful of Connor to prepare her gift in advance. What a great big brother!

    Your beloved looks like an adventurer! I'll be thinking of you on the 16th.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Kitty, your fig preserves look so delicious. My sweet daddy loved to make them and I can almost taste them now. My sister and her husband love to make them when they can get figs. The table looks really pretty with the checked cloth and your pretty plate. Love the pot holding the succulent and how you added the photo of your husband. So sweet of Connor to make a video for Cissy for her birthday. A thoughtful gesture that will stay with her always. I'm sure there were lots of tears.........Happy Belated Birthday to Cissy.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your fig preserves sound so good and perfect with bread or crackers. Your grandchildren are so precious. I love the china and thank you for the recipe to make the preserves. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kitty, your teacup planter looks so cute with the succulents in it and the fig preserves sound delicious! Love the dishes too. Nana looks young enough to be Cissy's mama. Have a lovely weekend, dear friend! Love and hugs...Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Kitty, I have been missing from Blogland for a long while. I love fresh figs and fig cookies and fig jam. Just today, I saw a recipe for fig thumbprints that I would love to make for Christmas. Can you share the recipe for the bread? It sounds wonderful. Happy Birthday to Cissy! She is growing up so fast! xo

    ReplyDelete
  19. Those succulents look very healthy.
    So nice to see all of your photographs.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congratulations, your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,446! Thanks so much for sharing with us and sure hope you will come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...