Prepare 4 500ml jars as outlined in this post.. Simmer lids over low heat, do not boil.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot to boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Wash and cut peaches in half, removing stones. Pop, about 6 at a time, the peaches into the boiling water. After 60 seconds remove with tongs to the bowl of iced water. After they have cooled enough to handle, remove, dry and the skins should slide right off.
Chop the peaches into small bits, appropriate for jam.
Combine the peaches and sugar in a large pot and stir to mix thoroughly. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. I never left the jam unattended.
Once the jam begins to boil, whisk in the cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice with zest. Whisk well, so that the spices don’t “clump” in the pot. You could exchange the cinnamon and nutmeg for any other spice you would like to try.
As the jam thickens and approaches 220° F (ideal temperature when jam sets) the foam will begin to clear and look like this. Jam starts to stick to the bottom and drips in thick strands off the spatula.
The length of time this takes will vary, depending on the water content of your berries. It can take 15-20 minutes or much longer. It’s best to watch for the temperature using an instant read thermometer and easier to look for the thickness of the jam.
Once the jam is set add the liquid pectin. Bring back to a boil and continue to boil for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
If you wish to have a smoother jam, this is where you can use an immersion blender to process some of the chunks of peaches. This is all personal preference.
Remove the pot from the stove and ladle the jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4 ” head-room at the top. Then wipe tops of jars clean and top with hot lids. Finger-tip tighten bands, submerge upright and cook in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.. longer depending upon your altitude.
Once cooked, remove to a wire rack to cool and follow the steps written above.
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by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
So beautiful! I love making just a little bit of jam. It’s a fleeting pleasure and all the more enjoyable because you know it will be gone soon.
Peachy heaven my friend, how I would love to simply spoon this
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Smidge is jammin’! Your jam looks unbelievably good and that picture of your jammed toast has me wanting some … NOW! I bought more peaches this morning at a farmers market to make jam this weekend. I thought I might try adding balsamic to it, like I did with the strawberries. Decisions, decisions. One thing’s certain. If I decide to forego the balsamic, I’ll be coming back here to “borrow” your recipe. I’d be a fool not to.
WOW! How delicious… I can guess… I love jam and especially peachy jam. Your lovely little friend seems, smelling and wants to taste
Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
Peach and apricots would be my favourite jam variants, spring is near so I can make some of this soon
Lovely to have you back Smidge and with such a lovely recipe too.
Mandy
This looks delicious! I lve the photo with your pup looking longingly at your peach jam bread, it’s adorable!
Seriously, after my first time making jam (grape!) when I was like 20 years old….I’ve been itching to get “jam”ming again….just in need of time. Your peach jam looks so delish!
I was wondering where you’ve been but I didn’t know you were having computer dramas. I love peach jam and this just looks gorgeous. Welcome back to the virtual world xx
Cute puppy! John just did a peach ice cream which was lovely! This jam sounds incredible; I’m a bit of a woos canning but I’ll have to give it a go at some point. This one sounds perfect since its so peach season here! It’s wonderful that you’ve been able to spend so much time at your cabin.
Oh yum and yum again! I love peach anything!!!
I’m not really big on jams but I think I might just have a little taste of that
Capturing the essence of a summer peach in a jar is a service to mankind. It is my favorite kind of preserves, reminding me of the peach tree I would pick from back home and the juice covering my chin.
That is the taste of my childhood, peach jam … yum!
This is my favorite jam in the world! While I love any berry jam, when my grandma would make peach jam, I was thrilled! I can just taste it on that warm toast. Thank you for the happy memories this a.m.
Yummy! I have always been afraid of a jar exploding. How do I get over my fear of canning? I have fruit trees all over my yard….
Summer on toast ! And I just love the photo with your lakeside friend in the background!
Nice jam
I love peach preserves. The spices in your jam sound wonderful!
This looks delicious Smidge! And I love the furry blur in the background
I must confess, it’s been over a year since I last made jam… I’ve got to get my act together!
Love this as part of peach month on s&h! Welcome back, Smidge!
I am envious of your jam collection both recent batches you made look gorgeous. xo
Was always – so tastefully …presented – love that photo with wee dog looking at the sandwich. Love jam on cheese on toast !!! Not a jam making person at all – have great friends that provide me with their jams. Welcome back … no rush – everything happened yesterday. *smile
Yum! Your jam looks excellent Barb! I made some peach and peach/apple jam last year.
YUM:) I wished I paid more attention when my mom and grandma were canning fruits and veggies. Happy Wednesday!
I would like to award you today because I believe your blog is fabulous
Enjoy my friend!
Check it out here: http://gobakeyourself.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/birthday-post-2-a-guest-post-at-cake-whiz/
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
You manage to make the jam not only taste wonderful, but look beautiful! I love the little jam jars! Now is the time for us to grab a flat of peaches, I’m just sure! You’ve inspired me. And I just love reading that you have an alphabetical system for getting through the bloggy world. I can see how you accomplish so much…you have effective systems!
Debra
What a fantastic post! I love peaches too. I really need to get on this canning thing. You’re making it seem so easy Smidge! Thank you for this…and as always, for the wonderful pictures that always make my day.
(Psssst, you don’t have to worry about me in the S’s of your blogroll anymore, I closed my “place” It’s ok though, I have more time to actually read and enjoy others’ blogs!) xoxo
[...] Little Peachy Jam (justasmidgen.com) [...]
What cute little jars of jam!
Yummy. I love that photo of the adorable dog looking longingly at your jam. Is that your pup?
So pretty and delicious-looking spread on that toast.
Love peach jam. It always reminds me of my late grandfather. He used to make it each year, and it would never set properly. He would then drizzle it over his vanilla icecream, Making enthusiastic eating noises as he made his way through the bowl.
(ps.ended up getting a cowboy hat, that hasn’t left his head
So do you have your spot on wordpress.org now?? I will miss your blogs!
That puppy! Got a recipe for it?
I don’t think I could keep this around! I’d eat it with a spoon
I’m going to be brave and try and make jam
Hi Barb, I know I should be commenting on your lovely jam BUT is that a Bichon I see lurking in the background? I have three Bichons. They are lovely little dogs, aren’t they?
I remember as a child being surrounded with pots and pots of homemade jam, marmalade and green tomato chutney – i think the latter was necessity as the tomatoes often wouldn’t ripen!
That is our 15 year old bichon shihtzu (I can never spell that correctly).. he’s a dear old pup!!
I do not have any blogs. I feel naked! I’ve been blogging since 2008 so I feel really funny this week. Knitting is what I’m doing, and reading blogs and books.
And of course, traveling with Hubby. Maybe I’ll write about knitting one of these days? I’m consumed by it, haha.
I stopped by to tell you I’m trying this jam today! So excited! Thank you for ALL the help and making it seem like nothing to be afraid of
Happy Weekend Smidge! xoxo
I realized you’d shut down when I went to look.. I’m glad you can still visit. I’m sure my blogging will reach that point one day. It must feel strange after four years! But I would think it’s freeing to just go out and do rather than write about doing:D But I’ll miss your posts!! xx
This looks delicious, I LOVE the photo with the pup in the background.
I love the idea of making small quantities of jam. Sometimes it can be daunting to have a mountain of fruit or veg to process.
I just had a piece of toast with peanut butter for breakfast…but I think a piece of toast with your peach jam would have really hit the spot! Quick, bring some over!
[...] some really good peach jam? Well, then, waste no time and click this link to go to Barb’s Just a Smidgen blog, where you’ll be treated to a fantastic recipe for making peach jam, not to mention a [...]
I love peach jam. I have never tried making it myself though. I think I need to give this recipe a try!
I have such a soft spot for peaches…that’s a whole story!…and this jam is a perfect way to take summer’s peaches into winter’s blizzards. Beautiful, Smidge! And I’m so happy for your time lakeside! xox
[...] Little Peachy Jam (justasmidgen.com) [...]
I love peach jam! And I love your addition of cinnamon and nutmeg. Lovely photos too!
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Hi Barbara…your peach jam recipe is just what this glutton needed. I’m sitting on a ton of peaches and I needed a recipe transform them into long lasting goodness. Thanks and I’ve got you in my Reader now. Cheers!
The nutmeg and cinnamon must really heighten the flavor of the jam.
Making jam on the weekend was one of the most satisfying things ever – except when I saw the amount of sugar in there – but the cool thing is you can reduce it. I did and my jam still turned out sweet
Marvelous all through–but I think the photo with You Know Who peering up at the food is absolutely priceless.
xoxo