In the quaint little town where I grew up, every summer my grandmother would invite us all to her sun-drenched kitchen. The air would be thick with the sweet aroma of fruit bubbling away on the stove, mingling deliciously with fresh herbs from her garden. One hot afternoon, she introduced me to the art of making preserves. This particular recipe for Citrus & Rosemary Preserves came to life that day, inspired by her love for citrus and a fresh sprig of rosemary that had just begun to bloom. Each jar encapsulated the essence of summer, a burst of sunshine that you could savor in the middle of winter.
Ingredients
4 cups assorted citrus fruits (such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits), peeled and chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Begin by combining the chopped citrus fruits and water in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for around 10 minutes, or until the fruits have softened and released their juices. The vibrant colors and scents will start to fill your kitchen, reminiscent of sunlit orchards.
Next, add the granulated sugar to the pot, stirring until it has completely dissolved. This is where the magic happens – the sugar melds with the citrus juices, creating a luscious syrup. Feel free to take a moment to taste the mixture; this is your chance to adjust sweetness if needed!
Now, toss in the finely chopped rosemary leaves, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla extract. The rosemary adds an unexpected earthy note that beautifully complements the brightness of the citrus. Stir the mixture well and bring it back to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
To test if your preserves are ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, you’re good to go! If it’s too runny, give it a few more minutes on the stove.
Once your preserves have reached perfection, remove them from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars while they’re still warm and let them cool to room temperature. The sweet scent of citrus and rosemary will permeate your home, making it feel like summer all over again.
These Sun-Kissed Citrus & Rosemary Preserves are perfect for slathering on toast, drizzling over yogurt, or even as a delightful addition to savory dishes. Each spoonful holds a story, a memory of sunlit days and the love of family. Enjoy your preserves and share the joy with loved ones!