Fig Jam

Figs are a delightful fruit of the gods. If you've ever been lucky enough to enjoy a perfectly sweet, ripe fig fresh off the tree, warmed from the sun, and oozing with sticky juice, you know precisely what we're talking about. If that fig tree happens to be in your backyard, you are especially lucky! All the more reason to preserve the magic in jars of fig jam. Fresh figs from California are generally available from the middle of May through November, with a brief interlude in between; Black Mission figs are ready first, then come the green varieties.

This fig jam recipe yields about three cups. Of course, you could easily run through all of it on your morning toast, but there are so many other ways to experience the flavor. Fig jam is party-ready, making for an excellent addition to any charcuterie board or cheese plate. Given its affinity for cheese, you'll definitely want to spread some on your next grilled cheese sandwich. Speaking of sandwiches, you could also use your jam in these indulgent Toasted Chocolate-Hazelnut Sandwiches, which are particularly awesome for brunch. We could go on with the ideas, but we won't keep you ... you've got jam to make.