Lifestyles: Get your jam on
We are all familiar with sweet jams, jellies and preserves, but how often do you indulge in savory jams, jellies, preserves or even marmalades or chutneys? The differences between them all are the following:
Jellies - Can be sweet or savory and are made from the juice of a fruit or vegetable.
Jams - Also can be sweet or savory and are made from crushed or mashed fruit or vegetables.
Preserves - Usually made from large chunks of cooked and sweetened whole fruit.
Marmalades - Often have citrus fruit used in the preparation. While preserves use the entire fruit by crushing, mashing and cooking it, marmalades use the peel, pulp and the juice, not the whole fruit.
Chutney - This condiment has a more acidic, tangy flavor that comes mostly from the vinegar.
Savory jams are an unexpected treat and can be the perfect way to add another layer of flavor to your meal. Use savory jams as a sandwich spread, to make a sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich or to top warm brie or goat cheese. You can also pour savory jam over a block of cream cheese to serve as an appetizer or mix it into cream cheese as a dip or spread. Savory jams are delicious also as a condiment for grilled meat or vegetables.
Savory jams still have slightly sweet underlying notes which come from the fruit and of course from the sugar that is added to promote the whole process. But what lends to the flavor also is the tartness of the vinegar and the addition of ingredients such as onions, earthy spices and peppers.
One of my favorite things about savory jam is that it can be enjoyed alone, simply as a snack by spreading it on a toasted slice of crusty bread or on a fluffy, warm biscuit.
My recipes for savory jams do not have a large amount of sugar. I prefer to have a savory jam that is flavorful and less sweet, so that the sweetness does not overpower what you are enjoying it with.
Store your savory jam in a sanitized, airtight container. Preferably a canning jar or a jar with a tight screw on lid and it will last for weeks. Your concoction will have an even longer life if you keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it. Savory jams are best served without a chill, so take the jam out of the refrigerator a few minutes before you are ready to serve it and remember to stir well before each use to revive the flavor. The combination of vinegar and sugar acts as the preserving agent to help make your delish jam last.
Here is a recipe for one of my favorite savory jams which combines flavors that are perfect for your summer meals. This recipe combines ripe peaches with the mellow spice of crushed red pepper flakes to make a savory jam that everyone will enjoy.
Savory Peach-Red Pepper Jam
Ingredients -
2 cups very finely chopped sweet red peppers (about 3 large peppers)
4 cups of sugar
1 cup of distilled apple cider vinegar
1⁄3 cup of lemon juice
1 pound of peaches, cleaned and sliced into one inch cubes
1 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes
Directions -
Place the peaches, red peppers, sugar, red pepper flakes and vinegar in a medium size heavy pot on medium heat until mixture begins to rapidly boil, stirring continuously with a long wooden spoon to make sure that the mixture does not stick or scorch.
Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let the very hot mixture stand for 15 minutes.
Reheat to boiling and add the lemon juice.
Let it come to a complete low boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Have your cleaned jars ready to fill with the very hot jam.
Carefully fill the jars leaving a ½ inch gap at the top of each. Wipe each jar with a clean and damp towel to remove any residue before tightly sealing the lids.
Allows jars to cool at room temperature for 5 hours before refrigerating.
Serve with your favorite soft cheese and crispy crackers or with grilled meat.
Enjoy!
Clarence-Vernon Hargrave is a finalist in Carla Hall Presents Favorite Chef. To vote for him and help him advance to the next round please visit the following website: https://favchef.com/2024/clarence-hargrave.
