Apple jam with cinnamon

Apple Cinnamon Jam – A Fall Delicacy

Who doesn’t love the sweet and comforting aroma of apple cinnamon jam? This preparation is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a wonderful way to preserve the essence of autumn in jars, allowing you to enjoy the always fresh taste of apples even in the middle of winter.

In this recipe, I will share with you the necessary steps to achieve a delicious apple jam, with a perfect texture and a taste that will take you back to your childhood. Let’s see together how to turn a few apples into a true delicacy!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: about 4 jars of 250g

Ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh apples (ideally, use sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 300 g sugar (for a more pronounced sweetness, you can use brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for a warm and fragrant taste)

Practical tips about ingredients:

- Apples: Choose apples that are ripe but not too soft. Firmer apples will transform better into jam. Also, don’t forget to wash them well to remove any impurities.
- Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also helps preserve it. If you want a healthier option, try using natural sweeteners like honey, but adjust the liquid quantity in the recipe.
- Cinnamon: This not only adds a delicious taste but also a fragrance that will fill the entire house. Opt for high-quality cinnamon for a wow result.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples well under cold running water. Then, peel them, remove the seeds, and grate them. This step will help improve the texture of the jam, making it smoother.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large pot, place the grated apples, add the sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix the ingredients well so that the sugar is evenly distributed.

3. Cooking the jam: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 50-60 minutes. The jam is ready when it thickens, and the consistency resembles that of a jam.

4. Consistency test: To check if the jam is ready, place a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If it doesn’t run and holds its shape, it’s time to take it off the heat.

5. Bottling: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, making sure to leave a little space at the top. Close the lid tightly and let the jars cool completely at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:

Apple cinnamon jam is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, alongside butter or cottage cheese. It can also be used as a filling for pancakes, pies, or cakes. Try it with yogurt or as a topping for fluffy pancakes. It pairs wonderfully with fruit tea or a spiced mulled wine during winter.

Nutritional benefits:

Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, making them an excellent ingredient for the immune system and digestive health. Cinnamon, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions:

- How can I preserve the jam for longer? Ensure that the jars are well sterilized before filling them. Also, keep the jam in a cool, dark place.

- Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! Experiment with adding nuts, raisins, or even a few drops of lemon juice for a fresher taste.

- What should I do if the jam doesn’t thicken? If you notice that the jam isn’t thickening, you can add a little pectin or simmer it longer on low heat until you achieve the desired consistency.

Variations:

If you want to customize your jam, try adding other spices like nutmeg or cloves. You can combine apples with pears or plums for a complex flavor.

Each jar of apple cinnamon jam you create is a little piece of your autumn, a gift you give to your loved ones, but also to yourself. Cooking is an art form, and this simple and flavorful recipe will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s turn the apples into something truly special!