Boozy Peach Jam

This is one of those divine jams with just the right amount of bourbon flavor. It is sweet, scented with vanilla and oh so wonderful on English muffins. It is adapted from a recipe by Cooks Illustrated. I think it is best made with peaches that are not overly ripe. And of course always make sure your peaches or any fruit you use for jam, are delicious! No amount of sugar or bourbon for that matter will make up for not good fruit. I prefer it with yellow peaches, if you try white, I don't think it will set up as well and may be overly sweet. If you try white peaches, however, let me know how it turns out.





Boozy Peach Jam
1/2 vanilla bean (cut it in half and scrape out the seeds)
1 pound ripe but firm yellow peaches, cut into small pieces (3 cups)
1 cup sugar
1 cup bourbon - I used a cheaper brand, but do use real Kentucky Bourbon
1/2 apple, chopped small, I left peel on it, but feel free to remove - the point of the apple is to add pectin, so you don't have to cook it so long
1 T lemon juice

Put a small plates in freezer. Stir vanilla bean and seeds, peaches, sugar, bourbon, apple, and lemon juice together in large saucepan. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat. Stir often. Once sugar is dissolved, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until all is soft, about 10 minutes. Crush fruit with potato masher until consistency you like, I like it a bit lumpy. Return to boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring frequently, for about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and remove the vanilla bean.

To test consistency, place a little jam on a chilled plate and put back in the freezer for a couple minutes. Push your finger through the cooled jam and if it wrinkles, its done. If not cook it for 5 more minutes and test again. Keep doing this til it is how you like it. Pour jam into jars, cover, and let cool on the counter.

Refrigerate, please, as this jam is not canned. It will keep in the refrigerator for a few months and in the freezer for a year. I keep mine in the freezer until I want to eat it.