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Apricot and Honey Jam

June 5th, 2010 · COOK, Canning and Preserving, Fruit, READ

As you may know, I have a longtime obsession with jams and jellies and am always looking for new, interesting, spreadable combinations.  A resource that I always go to (and one of the most interesting cookbooks I own) is Mes Confitures, by Christine Ferber.  Throughout the book, Ms. Ferber not only shares her secrets to making foolproof artisanal jams and jellies, but the combinations are completely irresistible.

This Apricot and Honey Jam is guaranteed to be a hit with your friends and family – honey is the perfect compliment to the apricots and adds a unique depth of flavor to this jam.  Apricot and Honey Jam tastes great smeared on a slice of artisan bread.

Makes 3 pints

Equipment

  • 3 pint sized jars with lids, sterilized

Ingredients

  • 2  1/2 pounds apricots
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 7 oz. honey
  • 7 oz. water
  • juice of 1 large lemon

Directions

Rinse the apricots in cold water.  Cut them in half to pit them.  Mix the apricots, sugar, water, honey and lemon juice in a ceramic bowl.  Cover with a sheet of parchment paper – refrigerate and macerate for an hour.

Pour the contents of the bowl into a pan and bring to a simmer (a copper pan is preferable, as it ensure even distribution of heat).  Pour back into the bowl. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, pour this mixture into a sieve.  Bring the accumulated syrup to a boil – skim and continue cooking on high heat.  The syrup will be sufficiently concentrated at 221°F on a candy thermometer.  Add the apricot halves.  Boil for 5 minutes, stirring gently and skimming carefully.  If you don’t have a candy thermometer – add a few drops of the jam to a cold plate to check the consistency.

Put the jam into jars immediately – wipe off any drips from the rim of the jar and turn them upside down.  Store in a cool, dry place, out of the light.

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Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise

May 23rd, 2010 · COOK, Dessert

This delicious vanilla bean Creme Anglaise (English Cream) has a rich, smooth texture and can be served either warm or cold with cakes, pies, puddings or my personal favorite – drizzled over fresh fruit.  Not only is this cream easy to make, but it’s the perfect addition to your favorite summertime dessert.

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Directions

Fill a large bowl with ice and water; set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until lightened, about 2 minutes.  Place milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Scrape the vanilla seeds into the pan and add the pod. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low. Whisk about 1/3 cup of the milk mixture into the egg-yolk mixture to temper it.  Return this mixture to the saucepan.

Cook the Creme Anglaise over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of heavy cream.  If the sauce is overheated it will start to curdle, so it’s important to stir constantly and keep a close eye on the sauce.  Discard the vanilla pod and strain the Creme Anglaise into a medium metal bowl.  Place the bowl over the ice bath to chill until ready to serve.  Store in an airtight plastic container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.

original recipe found here

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Lemon-Rosemary Pickled Green Beans

May 16th, 2010 · COOK, Canning and Preserving, Vegetables

I realize that this post seems a little unusual – pickled green beans?!  I know, it isn’t something that sounds too exciting, but when I came across a Bloody Mary recipe that used these as a garnish, I knew that I needed to make them.  The Bloody Mary recipe is coming soon – in the meantime, enjoy these in a salad or as a light snack.

Makes 4 pints

Equipment

  • 4 pint sized jars with lids, sterilized

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds green beans
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 4 (3-inch) strips lemon peel
  • 2  1/2 cups water
  • 2  1/2 cups white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons pickling salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Evenly trim the ends of the green beans to fit the jars. Divide and pack the green beans, rosemary, garlic and lemon peels among the jars.

Bring a large pot (or canner) of water to a boil.

In a medium pot, combine the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.  Ladle the hot mixture into the jars – fill to about 1/2-inch from the top.  Wipe the rims with a clean cloth, affix the lids and seals, and seal tightly. Process the jars in the hot water bath for 15 minutes.  Carefully remove with tongs and set aside to cool. Let sit in a cool, dark place for at least 3 weeks before opening.

original recipe found here

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Older Posts...



Flour Tortillas

May 4th, 2010 · Bread, COOK, MENU

My love for flour tortillas goes way back.  I have great memories of watching my grandmother and great-grandmother make huge batches of tortillas and cook them on an old wood-burning stove.  Something about that stove seemed to add the perfect flavor to the tortilla and brown it in all of the right places.  I’d anxiously [...]

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Spinach, Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese Dip

April 22nd, 2010 · Appetizer, COOK, Dip

A few weeks ago I ordered this dip for the first time from a neighborhood restaurant.  I expected something similar to a traditional spinach dip, but was pleasantly surprised at what I received.  This version is much more creamy than a typical spinach dip and the roasted garlic really enhances the flavor.  I really like [...]

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Roasted Garlic

April 20th, 2010 · Appetizer, COOK, Vegetables

Roasted garlic is amazing – sweet, caramelized, spreadable – endless culinary possibilities!  Not only does it add great flavor to your favorite dips or vinaigrette, but you can eat the warm, toasty cloves right out of the garlic head.  I like to spread the garlic on a piece of crusty baguette. Depending on how I [...]

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Chocolate Bread

April 12th, 2010 · Baking, Bread, COOK, Dessert, Snack

When I first saw this recipe I wasn’t sure what to think – chocolate bread?  When would I eat this – for breakfast?  As dessert?  I certainly wouldn’t be making a sandwich with it.  As it turns out, anytime is a good time for chocolate bread! This delicious snack has a great texture – chunks [...]

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Usinger’s Sausage Co.

April 10th, 2010 · FIND, Ingredients, TRAVEL

On a recent trip to Milwaukee I had the opportunity to swing by one of my favorite places in the city – Usinger’s Sausage Company.  This family business has been devoted to the craft of sausage making for over 100 years and it definitely shows.  Not only is there a huge assortment of old world [...]

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Beet Chips with Garlic Rosemary Salt

April 4th, 2010 · Appetizer, COOK

The moment I heard about beet chips I knew I had to try and make them. Crunchy, healthy, flavorful – what’s not to love about that?!  I had planned on making them in January when I was posting a lot of appetizers, but time got away from me and I didn’t have the opportunity to [...]

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