Last week I was lucky enough to make a small contribution to The Garden Curator December letter. Colleen is a talented artist and gardener and I recommend you visit her website and Instagram to see her intricate artwork and impressive garden.
Colleen publishes a rich, detailed letter full of goodness from her garden and her studio. The December letter includes contributions from gardener and artist friends on how plants speak of Christmas for them. Reading these snippets from across the world is fascinating.
I shared some thoughts about my faithful apricot tree and I have shared the recipe below. This recipe and these photos originally appeared in the 2018 summer issue of Graziher magazine.
- 1 kg fresh apricot flesh, halved and stones removed
- 1 kg jam setting sugar or white castor sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves removed from stalks
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Wash apricots and thyme leaves.
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Place a small plate in the freezer, this will be used later for jam testing.
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Place the apricot flesh in a large, heavy based saucepan over low to medium heat and cook until the fruit has softened and completely collapsed. Stir and check the fruit regularly.
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Add the sugar and increase the heat. Stir continuously ensuring the sugar dissolves. Cook fruit and sugar mixture at a rolling boil for about 5 minutes. Add the thyme leaves and combine them thoroughly with the jam. If using a sugar/candy thermometer the temperature should reach 104°C. Turn off the heat while you test the jam.
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Drop half a teaspoon of jam onto the pre-prepared cold plate. Let it cool for a minute and then run your finger through the middle of the jam. If it crinkles and feels thick it is ready to be carefully transferred to warm, dry, sterilised jars. If not, continue to cook and continually stir and check. Seal jars and allow to cool completely.
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This jam will keep for up to a year, at least. Refrigerate after opening.
I would recommend using a sugar/candy thermometer to take the guess work out of jam making.
Jam sugar can make the jam setting process more reliable. It is available from most major supermarkets.
This makes approximately 3-4 medium size jars, sterilise a few extra jars as it can be very frustrating if your jam is ready and you have run out of prepared jars.
If you have any left-over thyme you could make tiny wreaths with it.
Jenny
I would never have thought to add thyme. Will try this. Thank you.
Amanda
Thanks for the reminder! I made this recipe a couple of years ago when it was first published and it’s delish. Just returned from my road trip to Young and making Apricot Jam top of my to do list today.
Annie Bart
Love the idea of adding thyme Jane
Kate
Jane,
I love your photos – they bring so much pleasure to my day.
Kate