Enjoy the rich and flavorful combination of ripe peaches, bourbon, and fragrant vanilla bean in this homemade jam. It's perfect for spreading on toast, topping ice cream, or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients: 4 cups of ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped. 2 cups granulated sugar. 1/4 cup bourbon. 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped. 1 lemon, juiced.
Instructions: Combine the chopped peaches and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let them sit for about 2 hours, or until the sugar has dissolved and the peaches have released their juices. Transfer the peach mixture to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the bourbon, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the jam thickens and reaches your desired consistency. While the jam is cooking, prepare your canning jars and lids by sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Once the jam has thickened, remove it from the heat and discard the vanilla bean pod. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the jam at this point. Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean and place the lids on top. Seal the jars tightly. Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel or wire rack. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't pop back, it's properly sealed. Label the sealed jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
