Peach Jam w/ Variations

I am updating this from the 2012 post because I have achieved much better results using the regular pectin. I know it's more sugar, but it just sets up better. Also, I have perfected a couple of the variations below.

8 cups peeled and finely chopped ripe peaches (~12 good-sized peaches, Lemon Elberta peel the easiest)
1/4 cup lemon juice (2 lemons)
2 boxes Sure-Jell pectin*
11 cups sugar (measured into a separate bowl)


- - Makes about 14 half-pints


1. Prepare canning jars and hot water bath / canning pot first. Blanch peaches by submerging each peach in a large pot of boiling water for 30 - 60 seconds; remove with a slotted spoon and submerge in an ice water bath. Remove skins and pits, and finely chop.

2. Pour peaches into a large, heavy bottom stock pot. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and stir until combined, then pectin and stir until combined.

4. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Bring to a full boil that cannot be stirred down (bubbles still rise while stirring well). Add remaining sugar quickly, bring to a full boil again and boil for one minute. Remove from heat.

5. Ladle preserves into hot, sterilized jars (a wide-mouthed canning funnel is oh, so helpful) and seal, allowing for 1/4-inch head space between the preserves and the rims of the jars. Use proper canning procedures if you would like to store jars outside of the fridge. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes (half-pints).

Variations
• Bombay: add 4 tsp Garam Masala before the pectin
• Jalepeño: add 4 roasted, peeled, cored, diced jalepeños
• Ginger Lime: add 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger + substitute lime juice for lemon juice


* The directions in the Sure-Jell pectin box really emphasize measuring fruit and sugar exactly and timing the post-sugar one minute boil exactly for best results.