Make Dried Apricot Jam

When the apricots are no longer available, dried apricots still abound all year round. This is a very basic recipe for creating a jam from dried apricots. It will make about 5 small jars worth, enough to share with friends.

Ingredients

 * 500 gms dried apricots
 * 1 1/4 litres water
 * 1 kg sugar (preferably soft brown but white sugar leaves a better colour to the jam)
 * 5 jars (approx 250 ml size)

Steps

 * 1)  Place the dried apricots in a large bowl and cover with water. Leave to soak overnight.
 * 2) Pour the apricots and water into a large saucepan.   Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, or until the apricots become soft.
 * 3) Add sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.
 * 4)  Reduce the heat and let the jam simmer.  Stir occasionally during one hour, or until the jam gels when tested. Pour into sterilised hot jars.  Let stand until cold and then seal.
 * 5) Decorate if presenting as a gift by giving the jars a professional and elegant touch by using  a piece of fabric over the lid, tied down with a thin satin ribbon matching the fabric.  Add a label so that the new owner can identify it, along with the date you made it.

Tips

 * If desired, you can add an additional flavour by way of an essence (extract), such as lemon, orange or rose. Just add a few drops.
 * Sterilise the jars during the hour that the apricot jam is simmering.
 * Make sure that the saucepan you use has a heavy base, to avoid burning the jam.
 * You can use organic/unsulphured apricots available from health food stores. The colour of the jam will be a lot darker than supermarket purchased ones.
 * One variation is to add pineapple juice mixed with the water and to also add crushed pineapple. This provides additional taste and a moist texture. If you plan on adding the crushed pineapple, a small tin is sufficient.
 * If desired,slivered almonds also can be added just at the end of jam cooking to keep it crisp.

Warnings

 * Always keep an eye on the jam while it is simmering. If left unattended and the mixture burns off all moisture, you will have ruined jam.  If left too long, it may even catch fire.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Lemon Pie
 * How to Make Orange Julius
 * How to Make Easy Peach Cobbler
 * How to Make Dried Fruit
 * How to Make Jam Tarts
 * How to Make Passionfruit Jam