In a quaint little kitchen, bathed in the golden glow of the afternoon sun, I found myself surrounded by baskets of ripe apricots from the farmer’s market. Their sweet fragrance wafted through the air, mingling with the floral notes of dried lavender I had picked from my garden earlier that week. Inspired by the harmony of these flavors, I decided to create a preserve that captured the essence of a sun-drenched summer day. These Sun-Kissed Apricot Lavender Preserves are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a reminder of warm breezes and gentle afternoons spent in the garden.
Ingredients
2 lbs ripe apricots, pitted and chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (optional for thicker preserves)
Instructions
Begin by preparing your apricots. Rinse them under cool water, then slice in half, remove the pits, and chop them into small pieces. Place the chopped apricots into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, dried lavender, vanilla extract, and salt to the pot. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, allowing the natural juices of the apricots to begin to release.
Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the sugar to dissolve and creates a beautiful syrup that will enhance the preserves. As you wait, the aroma of apricots and lavender will fill your kitchen, transporting you to a sunlit meadow.
After the mixture has rested, place the pot over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If you prefer a thicker preserve, now is the time to add the fruit pectin. Follow the package instructions for incorporating it into the mixture, stirring well to ensure it dissolves completely.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll notice the preserves will thicken and the color will deepen. Keep stirring occasionally, watching as the apricots transform into a luscious, aromatic concoction.
To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of the preserves on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run back together, it’s ready to be jarred. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
When your preserves have reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before carefully ladling the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue and seal them with sterilized lids.
For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step ensures that your preserves will last through the seasons and allow you to enjoy the taste of summer even in the depths of winter.
Once cooled, label your jars and store them in a cool, dark place. When you’re ready to indulge, spread these delightful Sun-Kissed Apricot Lavender Preserves on warm scones, swirl them into yogurt, or simply enjoy them straight from the jar. Each bite is like a sunny day captured in a jar, a sweet reminder of summer’s bounty.