Gourmet Apricot Preserves

These gourmet preserves find the right balance between tart and sweet and can be used in a variety of recipes ranging from sweet or savory.

I first made these preserves for a specific savory recipe and feel in love with them. They maintain a wonderful texture and are simple to make. I hope you enjoy these preserves as much as my family and I do. 

Step 1 Gathering Your Materials

Equipment

You'll need a basic canning kit. This includes:

- Wide mouth funnel
- Jar Lifter
- Magnetic Lid Lifter
- Bubble remover/ Head Space Gauge

The first two are the most important however, I purchased all of them for around $7. 

You will need a canning rack with the lifting attachments.

Additionally you will need: 

- A small sauce pot
- A large canning pot (or regular pot permitting it fits your canning rack) 
- A large sauce pot
- A wooden spoon
- Ladle

You will need 6 - 250 mL jars with snap lids and screw bands. If you are purchasing jars new they should come with the snap lids and the screw bands. If you are reusing jars be sure to purchase new snap lids as these should not be reused.

Ingredients
 
- approx. 4 lbs apricots (5 cups, prepared)
- approx. 4 tart apples (2 cups, prepared)
- granulated sugar (2 cups)
- liquid honey (1/2 cup)
- lemon juice (2 tbsp)
 - Optional: brandy  (1 cup) or Riesling wine (I would suggest 1/2 cup)