February 25, 2013
Maple and balsamic fig jam
After Christmas I found packs of dried figs that were marked down the only 99 cents! This was a deal I couldn't pass up (especially because I paid 3.99 for the same pack before Christmas) and I bought quite a few. We love to eat dried fruits just as they are, but I decided I wanted to use one of the containers to make a quick jam. This isn't a jam recipe to can - it makes a small and pretty quick batch of delicious jam that's perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or even a cheese plate for a dinner party. This jam is sweet and has a bit of tang from the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. It also has just a faint touch of cinnamon and great texture from the seeds. I used Turkish figs and I feel that they are already pretty sweet, so I only needed 1/4 cup maple syrup. If you want a sweeter jam, add a bit of sugar or brown sugar to taste.
I served this jam with a loaf of sourdough bread and goat cheese. The goat cheese balanced out the sweetness of the jam and made a lovely breakfast with a cup of coffee. I enjoy goat cheese with a lot of dried fruits, so it's a natural pairing for me. I think that I may use some of this jam as the base of a salad dressing whisked together with some more balsamic, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. I think it would also make a lovely glaze for chicken. This recipe will yield about 1-1/4 cups of jam, so if you don't use it all for breakfast, just throw it in the refrigerator and try it one of these other ways later in the week.
Maple and balsamic fig jam
about 8 oz. dried figs, roughly chopped
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
juice of half a lemon
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
pinch of sea salt
In a small pot, add all of the ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until it is reduced and the figs are soft, about 15-20 minutes. If the mixture gets too dry, add a bit more water.
Remove the cinnamon stick and puree in a food processor just until all there are no large chunks remaining. Let cool and refrigerate until serving. It should keep for a couple of weeks.
What was I cooking one year ago?: citrus and spice roasted chicken with spaghetti squash and chickpeas
Two years ago?: black bean patties with mango salsa
Three?: white chili
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi Amy, interesting recipe. Look very delicious but figs is very expensive in Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ahead,regards.
I ABSOLUTELY adore fig jams, and this looks very nice! Maple sugar sounds like such a perfect sweet and spicy addition to the figs... and with goat cheese= genius!
ReplyDeleteThis jam looks wonderful. I love fig jam but its so hard to get fresh figs locally...
ReplyDeleteYum! I love and miss figs...so good. Using dried figs to make jam is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThis jam is so packed with flavors! The best way to start your day!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a good deal on figs! I love all the different flavors at work here. It sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeletei love fig jam and haven't had it in years. And I've certainly never made it myself! It's a must try. So many flavors! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI should have been ALL OVER those figs after the holidays. I love them but didn't think to look. This looks just delicious!
ReplyDeleteThis jam looks delicious! I haven't tried making jam myself but it is on my list of things to try out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious jam! Love it in combination with the goat cheese! Delectable flavors.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious looking jam!
ReplyDeleteI really adore the cinnamon in here...looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this, not something I've ever tried before.
ReplyDeleteI love that this jam uses dried figs!! Definitely a NEED in my life...especially paired with the goat cheese.
ReplyDeleteOhh this looks like fun to put together! I'd absolutely love it on a cheese plate too.
ReplyDeleteSourdough bread, goat cheese and homemade fig/balsamic jam? This sounds marvelous and the whole thing would be great with a cup of tea for an afternoon snack. Love your thinking!
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delicious! And has me hankering for a pizza (but I'm always hankering for pizza). My favorite panini is fig jam, goat cheese, and prosciutto. I want to find marked down figs--that's so cool.
Hi Amy! What a great combination and I love fig jam (store bought though). Maple and balsamic sounds like a great match with figs. I might eat extra bread with this jam. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a very interesting recipe, very creative too.
Love the combination with goat cheese,seems like a match made in heaven :)
Wow! I must say that this is an innovative recipe that I love to try. Love the amazing combo that not only sounds good but looks delicious with bread too ! YUMMY! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh this looks so delicious!
ReplyDeleteThis looks spectacular! I can only imagine this jam will go great with all kinds of roast meats too.
ReplyDelete