It’s a figgy friday here as we’re all enjoying some delicious fig preserve I made on Mother’s day with the kids. Our fig tree has been bursting with it’s wonderous gifts and I just can’t bare to waste even one of them, so using them in this preserve is my solution to them not going in the compost! Here is my fig recipe and some pics of the finished product….bon apetit!

FIG PRESERVE

INGREDIENTS

1kg (2lb) fresh figs, stalks removed

125 ml (1/2 cup) lemon juice

1kg (2lb) sugar, warmed

1. Put two small plates in the freezer. Put the figs in a large heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain, cool and cut into pieces.

2. Place figs, lemon juice and 125ml (1/2 cup) water in a large pan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the figs are soft.

3. Add the sugar and stir over medium heat without boiling for 5 minutes, or until all the sugar has dissolved

4. Bring to the boil and boil for 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove any scum from the surface during cooking with a skimmer or slotted spoon. Add a little water if the mixture thickens too much. When thick and pulpy, start testing for setting point.

5. Remove from the heat, place a little preserve onto one of the cold plates and place in the freezer for 30 seconds. When setting point is reached, a skin will form on the surface and the preserve will wrinkle when pushed with your finger. Remove any scum from the surface.

Pour immediately into steralised, warm jars, and seal. Turn the jars upside down for 2 minutes, then invert and leave to cool. Label and date.  Store in a cool, dark place for 6-12 months. Refrigerate after opening for up to 6 weeks.

7. Make scones, buy some sourdough bread or your favourite blue cheese and enjoy – that’s what we’re doing!

I love to gift my preserve to friends and family – rounds of fabric to ‘pretty up’ your gift are a simple way to make it look extra special. Here are some pics for inspiration I found…..love the paper lid cover idea, looks easy enough to do, the map is divine (especially if you could find a map of the location the figs were from or preserve made!). You can download jar topper designs on Pinterest also.

Hope you all have a figtastic weekend!!!

DJ