I still remember the first time I tasted a fresh fig. I was absolutely transported to a heavenly place where life was luscious and ripe. I was 12 and had, perhaps for the first time, fallen in love ;I still adore these globes of decadent fruit. Here is a recipe that combines two bits of summer goodness so that you can enjoy them until their next blossoming season.
FRESH FIG AND STRAWBERRY JAM
(makes about 4 half pints)
- 1 pound fresh green figs, stemmed and cut into small pieces
- 2 cups quartered strawberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Place the figs, strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a medium enameled pan. Cover and let stand for one hour, stirring occasionally.
Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium and boil rapidly, uncovered until mixture will form a gel. ( I found that took about a half hour, but this can vary enormously. Keep an eye and the mixture and stir frequently.
When finished cooking ladle into hot, sterilized jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
(adapted from The Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving)
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