Peach Jam

We are honored that Chef John Besh has allowed us a sneak peak of four of his recipes from his soon-to-be-released cookbook, My New Orleans: The Cookbook (publishing Oct. 6, 2009). Recipes reprinted with permission from Andrews McMeel Publishing.

PEACH JAM
From My New Orleans: The Cookbook, by John Besh
Makes 8 half-pint jars

photo by Ditte Isager

Louisiana peaches are a sweet treat. To enjoy them year-round, my boys and I make this jam and

slather it on French toast or roll it up inside a warm crêpe. Using liquid or powdered pectin is an effective shortcut.

3 cups peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
6 cups sugar
6 ounces liquid pectin, or 1.75 ounces powdered pectin

1. Put the peaches, 1 1/2 cups water, lemon juice, and 5 3/4 cups of the sugar into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the pectin and stir into the hot jam. Boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove the pan from heat.

2. Ladle the peaches and juices into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then place sterilized lids on top and screw on the rings.
3. Use tongs to put the filled jars into a canning pot, and cover with water at least 1 inch over the jar tops. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Use tongs to carefully remove the jars from the water, and place on a kitchen towel. Allow the jars to cool completely before you move them.