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Fig, Rosemary, and Pine Nut Jam: A Sophisticated Symphony for Your Pantry

The scent of ripe figs, warming in the late summer sun, has always conjured a sense of abundance and quiet indulgence for me. It’s a fragrance that whispers of lazy afternoons and the promise of rich, complex flavors to come. When I first encountered this fig jam, elevated with the herbaceous whisper of rosemary, the unexpected crunch of toasted pine nuts, and a sophisticated kiss of Grand Marnier, it was a revelation. It wasn’t just a jam; it was an edible jewel, a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with care and a touch of culinary artistry, can transform into something truly extraordinary. This jam is my secret weapon, a spoonful of sunshine and elegance ready to elevate everything from a simple cracker to a gourmet cheese board.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 4-5 1/2 pint jars
Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

2 lbs figs, about 4 cups pureed
1 lb sugar, about 2 1/2 cups
3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs (4-5 inches long)
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup Grand Marnier

Equipment Needed

To bring this exquisite jam to life, you’ll want a few key pieces of equipment:

A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (non-reactive is ideal for preventing any metallic taste)
A food processor or blender for pureeing the figs
A long-handled spoon for stirring
A jar lifter for safely handling hot jars
Sterilized jars and lids (with bands) for canning
A boiling water canner
A kitchen scale (optional, for precise sugar measurement)
A thermometer for checking jam temperature

Instructions

Creating this Fig, Rosemary, and Pine Nut Jam is a rewarding process that begins with preparing your canning supplies. This ensures your jam will be safe and shelf-stable for future enjoyment.

Prepare for Canning: Begin by preparing your boiling water canner. This involves filling it with water and bringing it to a simmer. Simultaneously, wash your jars and lids and heat them in the simmering water until they are ready for use. It’s important to note that you should not boil the jars and lids. Keep the bands set aside for now.
Combine the Base Ingredients: In your non-reactive, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pureed figs, sugar, rosemary sprigs, and lemon juice. Stir these ingredients together gently.
Simmer and Cook: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. A full rolling boil is one that cannot be stirred down; the mixture continues to boil vigorously even when you stir it. Cook the jam, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 220 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is crucial for achieving the correct set.
Infuse and Finish: Once the jam reaches 220°F, remove the rosemary sprigs from the pot. Be careful as the jam will be very hot. Carefully add the pine nuts and the Grand Marnier to the pot. Stir them in, and then bring the jam back to a boil. Continue to boil for a moment to incorporate these final ingredients.
Jar the Jam: With utmost care, ladle the hot jam into your hot, sterilized jars. Aim to leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. This is the space between the surface of the jam and the rim of the jar.
Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal. Center a lid on each jar and then apply the band until it is fingertip tight. This means tightening it just enough so it doesn’t spin, but not so tight that it traps air during processing.
Process for Preservation: Carefully place the filled jars into the boiling water canner. Ensure that the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Process them for 10 minutes. Remember to adjust this processing time for your specific altitude if you are more than 1,000 feet above sea level.
Cool and Seal Check: Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner using your jar lifter. Place them in a draft-free spot to cool completely. This cooling process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. After 24 hours, check the lids for a seal. The center of the lid should not flex up and down when gently pressed. If a lid has not sealed, refrigerate that jar and consume it within a few weeks.
Store for Later: For sealed jars, remove the bands, wipe the jars clean, and label them for easy identification. Store them in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year. If you are gifting this exquisite jam, you can wrap a festive ribbon around the jars to add a touch of charm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Fig Selection is Key: For the most flavorful jam, seek out ripe, but not overly soft, figs. Mission, Black Mission, or Calimyrna figs are excellent choices, offering a rich sweetness. If your figs are slightly underripe, a few extra minutes of cooking will help soften them.
Rosemary Intensity: The number of rosemary sprigs can be adjusted to your preference. Start with three, and if you desire a more pronounced herbal note, add a fourth. Be sure to use fresh sprigs; dried rosemary will impart a different, less vibrant flavor.
Toasting the Pine Nuts: While not explicitly stated in the steps, toasting the pine nuts separately before adding them to the jam will unlock their full nutty flavor and enhance their texture. Briefly toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool before adding to the jam.
The Grand Marnier Factor: The Grand Marnier is added towards the end, just before the final boil. This allows its delicate orange aroma and flavor to shine through without being completely cooked off. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can omit it, but it truly adds a layer of sophisticated complexity.
Jam Consistency: The 220°F temperature is your guide for a firm set. However, if you prefer a looser jam, you can reduce the cooking time slightly. Conversely, for a very firm set, you can cook it a few degrees higher, being mindful not to scorch it. A cold plate test can also be helpful: place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Fig, Rosemary, and Pine Nut Jam is a versatile jewel in any culinary repertoire. Its complex flavor profile makes it an exceptional accompaniment to a variety of foods.

Cheese Boards: This jam is an absolute star on a cheese board. Pair it with a creamy brie, a sharp aged cheddar, a tangy goat cheese, or even a salty blue cheese. The sweetness of the figs, the herbal notes of rosemary, and the subtle orange of the Grand Marnier create a beautiful balance with the richness of the cheese.
Toast and Pastries: Spread it generously on warm, crusty bread, brioche, croissants, or scones. It also makes a delightful filling or topping for tarts, cakes, and cookies.
Savory Applications: Don’t shy away from savory pairings! A dollop of this jam can elevate grilled meats like pork or duck, or serve as a sophisticated accompaniment to roasted vegetables.
Yogurt and Ice Cream: Swirl it into Greek yogurt for a luxurious breakfast or dessert, or use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

For storage, sealed jars, stored in a cool, dark pantry, will remain at their best for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate the jam and consume it within 3-4 weeks. If you find any unsealed jars after the initial canning process, these should also be refrigerated immediately and consumed within a few weeks.

Nutritional Information

This information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific types and ripeness of figs used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	687.5 kcal	–
Total Fat	8.4 g	12 %
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3 %
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 %
Sodium	2.7 mg	0 %
Total Carbohydrate	160.1 g	53 %
Dietary Fiber	7.1 g	28 %
Sugars	151.1 g	604 %
Protein	3.3 g	6 %
Calories from Fat	N/A	75 g
Calories from Fat (%)	N/A	11 %

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is exquisite as is, it offers a wonderful canvas for creative exploration:

Herbal Alternatives: If rosemary isn’t your favorite, consider infusing the jam with fresh thyme or a small sprig of lavender for a different aromatic profile. Use these herbs sparingly, as they can be quite potent.
Nutty Swaps: For a different nutty crunch, toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts could be used in place of pine nuts. Ensure they are lightly toasted to bring out their best flavor.
Citrus Zest: For an extra layer of citrus complexity, add the zest of one orange along with the Grand Marnier.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a small, finely minced dried chili added during the cooking process can introduce a subtle, intriguing heat that complements the sweetness of the figs.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my figs are ripe enough to make jam?
A: Ripe figs will be plump and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Their stems will feel soft, and they will often have a slightly sticky texture around the stem.

Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
A: While you can use dried rosemary, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Fresh rosemary provides a brighter, more nuanced flavor that is essential to this jam’s profile. If you must use dried, use a significantly smaller amount, perhaps 1/2 teaspoon, and add it towards the end of cooking to avoid bitterness.

Q: What is the purpose of the Grand Marnier in the jam?
A: Grand Marnier adds a sophisticated layer of orange flavor and aroma that beautifully complements the figs and rosemary. It also acts as a subtle preservative.

Q: My jam seems too thin. Can I thicken it after it has cooled?
A: It’s best to achieve the desired consistency during the cooking process. If your jam is too thin, you can re-process it by bringing it back to a boil and cooking it a bit longer until it reaches the setting point. However, be cautious not to overcook, as it can burn.

Q: How long does the jam last if I don’t can it?
A: If you don’t can the jam, it must be stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator and will last for about 3-4 weeks.

Final Thoughts

The creation of this Fig, Rosemary, and Pine Nut Jam is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the essence of late summer. It’s a reminder that some of the most profound flavors come from the simplest ingredients, elevated by thoughtful preparation and a touch of imagination. I encourage you to embark on this delightful culinary journey. Share its exquisite taste with loved ones, elevate your everyday meals, and let its sophisticated charm bring a little bit of gourmet magic to your pantry. I can almost guarantee it will become a cherished favorite, just as it has for me.

Fig Rosemary and Pine Nut Jam Recipe