Vanilla Peach Bourbon Jam
I decided to try my hand at something new. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and do something I’ve never done. That’s what inspired me to join steph chows Jam Exchange. The concept is simple. Everyone who signs up will make 2 pints of jam and send it to someone else. What a great way to try new things!
I started looking for jam recipes that sounded good. Hubby’s mom’s boyfriend, J, had given us some of his famous peach jam for Christmas last year, so that was my first thought (he also made the wonderful strawberry jam that I used in my Harry Potter Cupcakes). I didn’t want to try to compete with his peach jam, so I was looking for a recipe with a twist. This recipe definitely has the twist I was looking for. It adds bourbon and vanilla bean to a simple peach jam.
I finally rounded up all my supplies and set off to make jam. Man did I dirty a lot of pots and pans in this process. It’s not too difficult, even without all the proper supplies. I’ve marked up the recipe below to reflect what I did. I was really worried that my jars didn’t seal properly because they were just sitting on the bottom of my big stock pot instead of on a rack which would allow the boiling water to be around them completely, but as they were cooling, I heard them pop one at a time.
So how is it? Well the day after I made it, Hubby ate peach jam in a bowl for dessert. And we had cupcakes in the house. It’s basically awesome and we agreed we like it better than J’s famous peach jam (sorry J). I love the specks from the vanilla bean and it has just a very subtle bourbon flavor. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a peach jam recipe. And some lucky food blogger is going to get a jar of mine!
Don’t forget to enter in my 2nd blogiversary giveaway by midnight on August 13th!
Vanilla Peach Bourbon Jam
Yield: ~7 8oz jars
Ingredients:
1 package low sugar pectin - I used Sure-Jell for less or no sugar needed recipes (the pink box)
3.5 pounds peaches - this was 9 peaches for me, I just weighed them at the store
4.5 cups sugar (check the pectin package for exact measurements--the instructions differ slightly depending on the brand of pectin). - I used 3 cups sugar because the peach jam recipe that came with my pectin said 3 cups
1/4 cup lime juice
1 vanilla bean, cut in 1/2 lengthwise then cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tsp almond extract
Directions:
Before you begin this recipe either wash jars in the dishwasher on the extra hot water cycle, or wash them with hot soapy water and boil them for 10 minutes, leaving them on dry or in the boiling water until you need them for your jam. This sterilizes the jar and lengthens the shelf life of your jam. I just ran them through the dishwasher on the hot cycle.
Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, (then submerse in an ice bath) then slip off the skins. Chop the peaches into 1/4 inch dice, removing the pits.
Put the peaches, sugar, lime juice, and vanilla bean into a large non-reactive pot (stainless is good). Mash the peaches with a potato masher, until they are your desired consistency. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. The sugar was completely dissolved by the time the mashing was done. Next time, I think I'd mash as I added peaches to the pot instead of waiting until the end. It wasn't easy to do.
Over medium-high heat and bring the peach mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Boil for 1 minute, then add the pectin. Bring the jam to a rolling boil once more, stirring constantly, and boil exactly 1 minute.
Remove the jam from heat. Stir in the bourbon and extract, remove vanilla pods, ladle the hot jam into jars, and screw on the lids. Then set the jars on a rack in a large pot of boiling water--the water should be 1 inch above the jar tops. I just used my big pot stock and put the jars in, made sure they were under an inch of water and turned it on high.
Bring the water to a gentle boil and boil the jars for 10 minutes. Then remove the jars from the hot water and set aside to cool.
When the jam is cold, check the seals on the jars by pressing on the centers of the lids. If the lids do not spring back, they are vacuum sealed and the jam can be stored at room temperature. Another way to check is to remove the ring and try to lift the lid. If it lifts up, it wasn't sealed properly. I read that you can reprocess jars at that point, but off of mine were sealed. If the lid flexes, there is no seal, so store the jar in the freezer or refrigerator instead.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
Thank God for the weird flavors and for not making em the only weirdo foodie out there. This sounds heavenly, and I can’t wait to try my hand at the curd this weekend.
I am practically addicted to lemon curd, and since raspberries are by far my favorite berry I would be scared to make this, have so much left over, and pour it over everything I could eat! The breakfast sandwich also looks good, never had sweet with the eggs, but its worth a shot! Would be great with french toast, and I love cream cheese with sweet jam 🙂
Jen, that curd looks just wonderful! I LOVE raspberry!
it’s okay to have a weird tastebud. it all matters if you like it (: i think flutternutters are weird in comparison 😛 no offense, people!
Mmm, this sounds fantastic! I’m so used to curd being citrus – this would be a nice change of pace.
You’re not the only one! Growing up, when we didn’t have tomato soup with our grilled cheese, there was usually jam spread on it after it was grilled. It’s a weird combo that one of my parents inroduced, but it’s surprisingly good.
Ooh, raspberry curd sounds fantastic.
Your sandwich seems like the breakfast version of a monte cristo sandwich, and I really like monte cristos.
i have never had raspberry curd and it sounds yummy. I think it would taste great on french toast. i might just have to try this!
I actually love egg and jam sandwiches! I think it’s pretty weird…but oh so delicious. that curd looks fantastic! Gorgeous color.
Wow, this could totally solve my problem with breakfast sandwiches. I just REALLY like sweetness in my breakfast but I want to like breakfast sandwiches because egg is so filling and good for you…I am definitely going to try this!
I bet the sweet/savory combo is yummy! I’ve never made curd for a cake before but hope to soon – it sounds so delicious and versatile.
I’ve heard of this combo before and I have to say – it grosses me out and intrigues me at the same time. Maybe I’ll get the guts to try it some day. You do make it sound delicious 🙂
Oh wow, the curd looks so beautiful! The consistency looks perfect!
Funny this should come up b/c I just had a ham & egg sandwich last night and I almost always have to add strawberry jam to that! Adding raspberry curd is sure to be just as good.
🙂 Kimberly @ Poor Girl Eats Well
PS – that curd is simply gorgeous!
ooo i think i know which cake you’ll be posting soon…if it’s the one i’m thinking of, i have to say, this curd was the best filling i could imagine for that cake. this curd was just awesome (and i’m not a raspberry fan) and yours looks gorgeous!!
Wow that is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!
This certainly sounds like an interesting combination. I suppose it’s similar to a monte cristo, no? I’d love to give it a try!
I saw this recipe yesterday and immediately printed it. I made Vanilla raspberry cupcakes for a friend’s birthday and wanted to make them a little extra special. This curd is amazing. Its a little thinner than lemon curd but that was perfect for what I wanted. I didn’t want that thicker consistency. I will link to your blog when I post the cupcakes with pics and recipes to mine!
Shanna
http://acupfullofcake.blogspot.com/
I believe you when you say it tastes great with eggs. I’m not a ketchup fan, but I do like it on scrambled eggs – completely changes the flavor of both!
I’m surprised your curd didn’t thicken after being chilled.
Btw, tell you hubby that it’s true cheese and jelly seem like a strange combo, but well prepared cheese platters always include fruit selections (pears, grapes, etc) – they compliment one another beautifully.
🙂
ButterYum
(1) Raspberry curd rocks, but I’ve never had a recipe for it, so thank you!
(2) Berries are gerat on savory dishes! Every had a berry sauce on grilled rare venison meat? YUM!!!!
(3) When I make over easy eggs, I always use toast covered in butter and raspberry preserves to sop up the yolk. So good!!!
So you are in good company my dear!
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only “weirdo” that likes the jam/egg/cheese combo.
I’m also surprised it didn’t thicken up more. Even this morning, it was still the same consistency and it’s been in the fridge since I made it.
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Your raspberry curd recipe is amazing!! I made it and used it for some cupcakes. I credited and linked to your blog in my blog! Thanks for an awesome recipe
Shanna
http://acupfullofcake.blogspot.com/2010/04/vanilla-bean-cupcakes-with-raspberry.html
This certainly looks addictive, and the colour is just DIVINE! Will have to try it ….. Am curioius to see what it tastes like with egg..
I don’t know if I’m brave enough to try this one on an egg sandwich, but I did pin it 🙂
beantownbaker — March 18th, 2013 @ 8:18 am
Thanks for the pin! I hope you try it some time.
Jen, are the amounts above written the way that you made it (doubled)? Can’t wait to try it!
beantownbaker — April 1st, 2013 @ 8:36 am
I’ve never doubled this recipe before, but I don’t see why you couldn’t. Let me know how it works out for you.
I have been searching for a recipe just like this for a cake filling! Thank you so much 🙂
beantownbaker — May 12th, 2014 @ 4:55 pm
Glad to help! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Is it possible to make this without the added sugar? I’m trying to find recipes that are good for a cancer diet. Thanks