How to Use Dried Apricots in Freezer Jam
Freezer jam is a quick and painless alternative to a hot water canner. Freezer jam has its advantages not only in its easier preparation but in its fresh flavor. Jam is made to ensure fruit flavors during the off-season, but what about ensuring the flavors of the off-season during the season? It might seem puzzling why one would preserve dried apricots, but they give the jam a unique flavor. The same jam process is used, preceded only by a little soaking. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Wash 2 cups of dried apricots in warm water to remove dust and dirt. Fill a bowl with 5 1/3 cups room temperature water. Toss in the apricots (reserve a handful), and allow them to soak overnight.
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Wash your freezer containers and their lids in soapy water. Set them aside on a clean towel. You can use any freezer-size plastic container (or freezer specific glass jar) as long as it has a tight snapping lid to help prevent freezer burn.
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Pour the now engorged apricots and their soaking water into a large saucepan, and sprinkle with 3 tbsp lemon juice. Bring the contents to a boil. Reduce the heat, and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
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Stir in 5 cups of sugar until completely dissolved. Bring the contents to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook until the jam is set when tested; submerge a small spoonful into a cup of cold water, and if it sets, then it is ready. Skim the foam off the top, and fill the prepared containers with the jam. Allow the containers to sit uncovered for about 30 minutes.
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Apply the lids tightly, and place the containers in the freezer. Once in the freezer, the jam can be stored for virtually as long as you want. When you are ready to eat the jam, first thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Because apricots have enough pectin in them, natural, powdered or gel pectin is not needed for setting the jam.
