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Easy Brandied Fig Preserves Recipe with Bright Orange Zest Perfect for Gifting

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A simple and sophisticated fig preserves recipe featuring brandy and bright orange zest, perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh figs, ripe but firm
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Rinse the fresh figs gently and pat dry. Remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters (about 2 pounds or 900 grams). Set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes). The syrup should be clear, not cloudy.
  3. Gently stir in the quartered figs, the zest of one large orange, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice. Stir carefully to coat the figs in the syrup. Lower the heat to medium-low.
  4. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally (every 5-10 minutes) to prevent sticking. You want the figs to break down slightly but still keep some texture. The mixture will thicken and darken as it cooks.
  5. About 10 minutes before finishing, pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy. Stir well and continue to simmer to allow the alcohol to blend with the preserves without burning off completely.
  6. To check if the preserves are ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilt it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, it’s done. If it’s too runny, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
  7. Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.

Notes

Stir gently during cooking to keep some fig chunks intact for a homemade feel. Do not rush the simmer to develop rich flavor without turning the preserves into jam. Zest the orange carefully to avoid the bitter white pith. Add brandy toward the end to preserve aroma without burning off all alcohol. Preserves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or processed in a water bath for longer shelf life. Freezing is also an option for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig preserves, brandied fig preserves, orange zest preserves, homemade preserves, fig jam, easy preserves recipe, gifting preserves

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/easy-brandied-fig-preserves-recipe-with-bright-orange-zest-perfect-for-gifting/