Best 5 Southern Living Fig Preserves Recipes

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In the realm of Southern culinary traditions, fig preserves stand as a beacon of sweet delight, capturing the essence of summer's bounty in every luscious spoonful. These gems, crafted from the finest figs, undergo a transformation through a delicate interplay of sugar, lemon, and spices, resulting in a symphony of flavors that dance upon the palate. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover a treasure trove of fig preserve recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic Southern staple. From the simplicity of the traditional Southern Living Fig Preserves, a testament to time-honored techniques, to the tantalizing Fig Preserves with Bourbon and Vanilla, where a touch of sophistication elevates the experience, these recipes cater to every palate and occasion. Indulge in the zesty Fig Preserves with Ginger and Lemon, where a burst of citrus awakens the senses, or explore the depths of flavor in the Fig Preserves with Port and Star Anise, where rich, warm notes mingle in perfect harmony. No matter your preference, these fig preserve recipes promise an unforgettable taste experience, transforming your culinary repertoire and leaving you yearning for more. Bon appétit!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN FIG PRESERVES



Southern Fig Preserves image

Another of grandma's specialty jams; she got this from a childhood friend of hers. If you're familiar with jam making, these instructions will probably be very clear to you. But for me--I'd need a book like "Preserving for Dummies":) I wonder if there is a book like that, and if there is, let me know!!!! *Again, I'm estimating that prep time and cooking time are both the same--I'm not sure and the recipe doesn't say, so if you know, note me with times and I'll post them.*

Provided by JamesDeansGirl

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 2 pints

Number Of Ingredients 3

7 cups fresh whole figs
3 cups sugar
1 lemon, juice of

Steps:

  • Combine the whole figs, sugar, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
  • Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the juice is as thick as desired (Grandma uses a candy thermometer and stops at the soft-ball stage).
  • Pour the mixture into hot, sterilized canning jars, cap, and store.
  • *Can also be used in homemade jam cakes.
  • *.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1166.9, Sodium 0.2, Carbohydrate 302, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 300.3, Protein 0.1

OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN STYLE FIG PRESERVES



Old Fashioned Southern Style Fig Preserves image

An heirloom recipe handed down from my great aunt Corinne from Ozark, AL (1905-1997).

Provided by Lise Sullivan Ode

Categories     Condiment

Time 1h50m

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 gallon Figs
Sugar (equal amounts sugar/figs)
Water (enough to cover figs in pot)
Lemon slices (Enough to have one slice per jar)

Steps:

  • Try to select figs of equal ripeness. Wash.
  • Cut stems a wee bit around, do not expose inside of figs. If extra ripe, don't worry, just get stem.
  • Sugar is measure for measure but I like it rounded for figs. So not quite equal measure.
  • Put sugar over figs (and lemon slices). Cover. Put aside until morning. (If you cook right away keep your heat low to begin with.) (Water added here.) Water different for juice. I'd say if over night, it will turn into juice so you won't add much then. If cooking right away, try 1/4 measured to fig measure. I like to have juice to cover figs in jars. Left over juice can be used for another cooking of figs.
  • Cook slowly. Makes better figs & syrup. Might be longer cooking. You judge by your syrup thickness. Keep boiling gently. Your bubbles will show a good syrup. Little water can be added if juice gets low. Sometimes 2 or so hours. Try a fig.
  • Put in jars but don't seal. Place in hot water bath. Cook until sealed. Will Pop.

Nutrition Facts : Carbohydrate 118 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 4 mg, Fiber 11 g, Sugar 107 g, Calories 456 kcal, UnsaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SOUTHERN FIG PRESERVES



Southern Fig Preserves image

This old-fashioned Southern fig preserves recipe will have you enjoying figs all year-round. Spread on a biscuit or serve with cheese.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Breakfast     Brunch     Appetizer     Jam / Jelly

Time 17h30m

Number Of Ingredients 3

6 pounds fresh figs (peeled or unpeeled, approximately 18 cups)
6 pounds granulated sugar (approximately 13 cups)
3 lemons (very thinly sliced, seeds removed)

Steps:

  • Fill a large canning kettle with water and bring to a boil.
  • Store in a cool, dark place until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 kcal, Carbohydrate 93 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 2 mg, Sugar 89 g, Fat 0 g, ServingSize 5 to 6 pints (36 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

REAL FIG PRESERVES



Real Fig Preserves image

Figs are naturally sweet and very flavorful, however, the taste should not be bland. It's okay to spice it up a little.

Provided by Dee

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Canning and Preserving Recipes     Jams and Jellies Recipes

Time P2DT1h30m

Yield 64

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons baking soda
5 cups fresh figs, stems removed
1 cup water
1 ½ cups white sugar
5 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 pinch salt, or to taste
8 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings

Steps:

  • Dissolve the baking soda in about 2 quarts of cool water, and immerse the figs in the treated water in a large bowl. Gently stir to wash the figs, then drain off the water and rinse the figs thoroughly with fresh cool water. Place the figs into a large pot. Add 1 cup water, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Very gently stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar, keeping the figs intact as much as possible.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the figs are golden brown and coated in syrup, about 1 hour. Stir gently a couple of times to keep the figs from burning onto the bottom of the pot. Add a pinch of salt, if desired, to tame the sweetness.
  • Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the figs into the hot, sterilized jars and top off with syrup, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
  • Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 2 days before opening.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 36.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.4 g, Cholesterol 2.4 mg, Fat 0.9 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 46.1 mg, Sugar 6.8 g

FIG PRESERVES CAKE



Fig Preserves Cake image

From The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook. My favorite way to use all of those fig preserves I insist on making. A nice moist spice cake, good with coffee when the weather starts to get cool.

Provided by LonghornMama

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h25m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 (11 1/2 ounce) jar fig preserves (about 1 cup)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Combine first 8 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; add oil and eggs, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.
  • Add buttermilk and vanilla, beating well.
  • Stir in preserves and pecans.
  • Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
  • Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool in a pan on a wire rack 10 minutes.
  • Remove from pan and place on a serving plate.
  • Pour buttermilk glaze over cake while both are still warm.
  • For Buttermilk Glaze: Bring sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, butter and corn syrup to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Boil 4 minutes, stirring constantly until glaze is golden.
  • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
  • Cool slightly.
  • Yield: 1/2 cups.

Tips:

  • To ensure the best quality preserves, use ripe, fresh figs.
  • Choose figs that are free of blemishes and have a deep, rich color.
  • If using dried figs, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to make the preserves, as this will help to prevent scorching.
  • Stir the preserves frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Test the preserves for doneness by placing a small amount on a cold plate. If the preserves wrinkle when you push your finger through them, they are ready.
  • Store the preserves in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Conclusion:

Southern Living Fig Preserves are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you spread them on toast, use them as a filling for pastries, or simply eat them by the spoonful, these preserves are sure to please. With their sweet, slightly tangy flavor and beautiful amber color, they are a perfect addition to any breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. So next time you're looking for a special treat, be sure to give Southern Living Fig Preserves a try!

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