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Perfect Small-Batch Peach Preserves Recipe with Bourbon and Vanilla Bean for Easy Homemade Jams

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A quick and easy small-batch peach preserves recipe featuring fresh peaches, bourbon, and vanilla bean for a cozy, homemade jam with a grown-up twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 1 tablespoon powdered fruit pectin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the peaches (about 10 minutes): Wash peaches thoroughly. Score an “X” at the bottom of each peach and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Peel skins off, pit, and chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. Combine ingredients (5 minutes): In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add chopped peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices and dissolve sugar.
  3. Heat and simmer (25-30 minutes): Place pan over medium heat and bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Add bourbon and scraped vanilla bean seeds with pod. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until peaches soften but retain some texture.
  4. Test for thickness (about 5 minutes): Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let cool for a minute. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s done. If using pectin, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
  5. Remove vanilla pod and jar it (5 minutes): Remove vanilla pod and discard or save. Pour preserves into sterilized jars while hot. Let cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Notes

Use ripe but firm peaches for best texture. Stir gently to keep peach chunks intact. Medium-low heat prevents scorching and bitterness. Test set with chilled plate. Vanilla bean adds best flavor and appearance but vanilla extract can substitute. For thicker preserves, add pectin. Can substitute bourbon with dark rum or omit for alcohol-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach preserves, bourbon peach jam, vanilla bean jam, homemade preserves, small-batch jam, easy peach jam, summer preserves

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/perfect-small-batch-peach-preserves-recipe-with-bourbon-and-vanilla-bean-for-easy-homemade-jams/