Fig and Hazelnut Preserves

Imagine spreading a spoonful of Fig and Hazelnut Preserves on your morning toast, or adding a dollop on top of creamy goat cheese. The rich, sweet figs combined with the crunchy, nutty hazelnuts create a truly indulgent treat that can elevate so many dishes. This preserve is like a little jar of happiness—sweet, nutty, and perfectly balanced. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find every excuse to slather it on everything!

Why You’ll Love Fig and Hazelnut Preserves

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast, sharing a homemade gift with friends, or indulging in a quiet evening snack, this preserve is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or served alongside cheese and crackers at your next gathering. Imagine the delight when your guests dip into the preserves, savoring its unique combination of flavors.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need to break the bank for a flavor-packed treat; it’s all about taking simple pantry items and turning them into something extraordinary.
• Quick and Easy: It’s a no-fuss, easy-to-follow recipe. If you’ve never made preserves before, this is a great place to start. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with a jar of delicious homemade goodness.
• Customizable: Want a little more spice? Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to the mix. You can easily tweak the recipe to make it exactly how you like it.
• Crowd-Pleasing: I promise, this one’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s got that sweet, nutty depth of flavor that everyone will love, whether served at a brunch or just spread on a piece of toast while you sip your morning coffee.

Ingredients

Ready to make this delightful Fig and Hazelnut Preserves? Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Figs

The star of the show! Figs bring a lovely sweetness and a soft, jammy texture when cooked down. Look for ripe, plump figs that are sweet and fragrant.

Hazelnuts

Roasted hazelnuts bring a beautiful, slightly buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the figs. Their natural crunch gives the preserve a wonderful texture.

Sugar

A little sugar helps to balance the sweetness of the figs and makes the preserve thick and spreadable. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like it.

Lemon Juice

The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that helps preserve the flavor of the figs and brightens the entire preserve.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the figs and hazelnuts beautifully.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and make this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves! It’s an easy process, and the end result is so worth it:

Prepare the Figs

Start by washing your figs and cutting off the stems. Slice them into quarters or smaller pieces, depending on how chunky you want your preserve.

Toast the Hazelnuts

Place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant. Once toasted, let them cool and then roughly chop them into smaller pieces.

Cook the Figs

In a large pot, add the sliced figs along with sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the figs begin to break down and release their natural juices. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

Add the Hazelnuts and Vanilla

Once the figs have softened, stir in the toasted hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken to your desired consistency.

Check the Consistency

To check if your preserves are ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the preserve—it should wrinkle and hold its shape. If it’s too runny, cook it for a few more minutes.

Can and Store

Once your preserve has reached the perfect consistency, carefully pour it into sterilized jars. Seal the jars while still hot and let them cool to room temperature. If you want to store your preserves long-term, process the jars in a hot water bath to ensure they seal properly.

Enjoy!

Once the preserve has cooled completely, it’s ready to enjoy! Spread it on toast, use it as a topping for desserts, or serve it with cheese and crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-15
Calories per serving: 60

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Fig and Hazelnut Preserves

This preserve can be used in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some serving ideas to get you started:

• Spread on Toast: The classic way to enjoy preserves—spread it on buttered toast or a fresh croissant for a sweet treat.
• With Cheese: Pair it with creamy cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a sophisticated snack or appetizer.
• On Yogurt: Drizzle it over a bowl of plain yogurt for a sweet, creamy breakfast or dessert.
• With Grilled Meats: Serve it as a sweet condiment with grilled meats like pork or chicken for a beautiful balance of flavors.
• Charcuterie Board: Add it to a cheese and charcuterie board. The sweetness of the fig and the crunch of the hazelnuts are a perfect contrast to the salty meats and cheeses.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most out of this Fig and Hazelnut Preserves:

• Choosing Figs: Look for figs that are soft, plump, and slightly wrinkled. These will be the sweetest and most flavorful. Avoid figs that are overly hard or dry.
• Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet preserve, feel free to reduce the sugar.
• Infuse with Spices: Add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pinch of ground ginger to infuse more depth of flavor into your preserves.
• Storage: Store your preserves in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or process them in a water bath for long-term storage. If processed properly, the preserves can last for several months.
• Use Fresh Hazelnuts: If you can, buy fresh, unroasted hazelnuts and toast them yourself for a fresher, more intense flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can use dried figs! Just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them before using.

Q2: Can I make this preserve without hazelnuts?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even omit them altogether for a smooth fig preserve.

Q3: How can I make this preserve less sweet?
A3: You can reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Q4: How long will my preserves last?
A4: If stored in the fridge, your preserves will last for up to 3 weeks. If you process the jars in a hot water bath, they can last for several months on the shelf.

Q5: Can I freeze fig and hazelnut preserves?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the preserves in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Q6: Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
A6: Definitely! You can use toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans if hazelnuts are not your thing.

Q7: What’s the best way to use this preserve?
A7: This preserve is incredibly versatile! Try it on toast, as a topping for yogurt or pancakes, or served alongside cheese and crackers for a delicious snack.

Q8: How do I store leftover preserves?
A8: Store any leftover preserves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. If you’ve processed it, it will last much longer!

Q9: Can I use this preserve in baking?
A9: Absolutely! You can use fig and hazelnut preserves as a filling for pastries, cakes, or thumbprint cookies.

Q10: Can I make this recipe without lemon juice?
A10: Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and preserves the flavors. You can omit it, but the preserve may not last as long and may taste slightly different.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make your own Fig and Hazelnut Preserves, it’s time to get cooking! This spread is rich, indulgent, and a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of figs and hazelnuts in a jar. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, serving it with cheese, or drizzling it over desserts, this preserve is sure to impress. Go ahead, make a batch, and get ready to savor every spoonful!

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