What is it about the holidays that makes you feel like you can make anything homemade?
Recently, I Tried making Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam For the Holidays and This Is What I Learned.
It’s possible to create simple gift-worthy homemade vanilla fig jam if you know what to do.
Basically, I had a recipe I cooked up in my head and then I went to work to see how it would translate in a jar.
After multiple trips to Italy to see both of our families (my husband’s and mine) I became a Fig fan!
So, naturally, I wanted to translate my love of fig into a simple am but would it work became the question.
In all honesty, my aunt had a stash of jars with jam in them, but I dare not ask for the recipe, LOL.
You know the Italian thing: there’s no handing down a recipe unless they want you to have it!
Knowing figs could be made into Jam, I went into the Casa Vento test kitchen and began my own concoction of homemade vanilla fig jam.
Gift-Worthy Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam
First, it’s about the jar.
Presentation is everything when you gift a food item.
So, to make the jar look rustic and festive, try using twine or raffia.
Next, consider the jars that you will gift.
Will the jar be tall or skinny?
How much Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam are you making?
Really the batch that you will be whipping up is the amount that you will be able to gift.
Do realize that this jam can only be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For those gifting, a little might go a long way in another home that has never tasted this jam.
Use smaller, round jars with a few helpings rather than giving up a gallon vat, lol!
Consider everything.
You Are Not Canning You Are Gifting
The final product that is gift-worthy homemade vanilla fig jam is not being ‘canned.’
Instead, you are putting the jam into a jar that needs to be airtight and refrigerated.
These little 4 oz jars are my faves and what I use when I make this jam.
However, there are amazing round 4 oz jars as well, which are really cute for presentation.
If you want tall airtight 4 oz jars, these are great jars that seal tight!
The Recipe & Some Other Ideas For Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam
First, this recipe will yield 8 oz so you can double to yield more.
Next, for those that love cinnamon or cardamon, I’ve used that in this recipe as well.
I never eliminate the vanilla, it just really brings out the depth of the taste of a fig.
You can use honey, agave, or maple syrup in this recipe.
Do note, that you should use organic to yield a natural, wholesome taste.
Your commitment to this recipe is about 10 active minutes, other than tying raffia around the jar.
Gifting Ideas for Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam
When you gift this homemade vanilla fig jam, you can add in a fancy spoon.
But, don’t stop there, provide a loaf of bread, a cut of brie, and maybe a bamboo cutting board.
If you need a great bread recipe to gift with this, try my crusty french bread!
Recipe Below
Simple Gift-Worthy Homemade Vanilla Fig Jam
First, this recipe will yield 8 oz so you can double to yield more.
Next, for those that love cinnamon or cardamon, I've used that in this recipe as well.
I never eliminate the vanilla, it just really brings out the depth of the taste of a fig.
You can use honey, agave, or maple syrup in this recipe.
Do note, that you should use organic to yield a natural, wholesome taste.
Your commitment to this recipe is about 10 active minutes, other than tying raffia around the jar.
Do realize that this jam can only be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For those gifting, a little might go a long way in another home that has never tasted this jam.
Use smaller, round jars with a few helpings rather than giving up a gallon vat, lol!
Consider everything.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. figs, stems removed, washed, and quartered
- 2 T. fresh lemon juice
- ½ c. honey, Organic or Agave or Maple Syrup
- 1 t. pure vanilla bean extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the prepped figs.
Dress the figs with lemon juice.
Now allow the figs to sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes.
Next, transfer the figs, along with the juice, to a large pot.
Heat should be set at medium heat.
Follow with honey.
Then, the vanilla extract.
Stir to combine.
Cook, while stirring occasionally, until the figs break down into a thick and slightly
granular jam.
You can expect this to happen in around 50-55 minutes.
Once it does break down, you want to remove it from heat and cool slightly.
Transfer to an airtight container (those are suggested in the post).
Do allow this to cool slightly on the countertop before closing with the air tight seal of a lid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy!
Notes
You can use agave or honey or maple syrup.
No matter which you choose, the purest is best.
In other words, organic or local.
For those that prefer cinnamon add it in.
Just a bit though not with a heavy hand.
Additionally, if you love cardamon you could add it in while cooking as well.
There are a lot of jars you could use.
My favorites roll between 4 oz mini canning jars or airtight jars and these rubber gasket 5-ounce rubber gasket mason jars.
Raffia is a nice touch around the seal area of the jar and makes it look festive.
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