Fig Jam with Secrets
I FIRST INVENTED THIS JAM BACK IN 2006. Truth be told, I can’t remember what the “secrets” were back then, but the new ones are perfect. Of course, I enjoy the coyness of the name, but what’s really cool about it is that the secret ingredients — orange, vanilla bean, cinnamon and Amaro Nonino (an Italian bitter) — seamlessly enhance the taste of the figs. It’s like you don't even know they’re there — the figs just taste, well, better. Figgier, even! My assistant, Ariane, says this jam looks like a starry night sky, which is perfect, poetically apt, and just one more reason to make it as soon as possible.
Equipment
- canner
- jam jars
Ingredients
- 3.3 pounds fresh black figs (about 25 large) 1.5 kg
- 3 ¼ cups + 2 tbsp granulated sugar 675 g
- 1 orange Grated zest and juice
- ½ cup bottled lemon juice 125 mL
- 1 vanilla bean split and scraped
- 1 1-inch piece cinnamon stick (preferably Ceylon) (2.5 cm)
Instructions
- Remove the stems and coarsely chop the figs. You should haveabout 71∕2 cups (1.875 L).
- In a large pot or preserving pan, combine the figs, sugar, orange zest and juice, lemon juiceand vanilla bean. Crumble in Ceylon cinnamon or, if using cassia cinnamon, just throw in the stick.
- Cover and let stand to macerate for anywhere from 30 minutesto overnight (or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week).
- In the meantime, prepare the jars and lids.
- Bring fig mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirringoften. Boil hard, stirring often,until the setting point is reached (see page 17).
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, stirringoccasionally. Remove the vanilla bean and cassia cinnamon (if using).
- Ladle jam into the hot jars to within 1∕4 inch (0.5 cm) of the rim.
- Remove any air bubbles and wipe rims. Place the lids on thejars and screw the bands on until fingertip tight.
- Process in a water canner for 10 minutes.
Notes
Do not substitute freshly squeezed lemon juice in this recipe. While acidity varies from one lemon to another, bottled lemon juice has a constant pH and will ensure a safe pH level for these figs, which are low acid fruit.
If you can find Ceylon cinnamon, splurge on it. Most cinnamon sold in the grocery store is cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is softer, almost crumbly, and I prefer its flavour. You can find it in quality spice stores or gourmet shops.