Fruit jam with chocolate

Fruit Jam with Chocolate – A Winter Delicacy

Are you looking for a jam recipe that brings joy in every jar? Have you ever thought about a combination of fresh fruits and decadent chocolate? Fruit jam with chocolate is the perfect answer! This recipe will not only sweeten your winter but will also turn any breakfast or dessert into a true celebration of flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: About 6 jars of 300g

Necessary Ingredients
- 1 kg pears (choose well-ripened pears)
- 300 g apples (tart apples are the most suitable)
- 700 g sugar (brown sugar can also be used for a deeper flavor)
- Juice and zest of one lemon (for a touch of freshness)
- Juice and zest of one orange (the citrus aroma will enhance the jam)
- 1 cinnamon stick (adds a warm note)
- 1 vanilla bean (for a subtle and sophisticated fragrance)
- 250 g dark chocolate (72% cocoa is ideal for an intense flavor)

A Bit of History
Jam is an ancient tradition, dating back to times long ago when people found ways to preserve fruits to enjoy them in the cold season. The combination of fruits with chocolate has become popular in recent decades, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to homemade dishes. This recipe blends traditional techniques with a modern touch, perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

Step by Step for a Sweet and Delicious Recipe

1. Preparing the Fruits
- Wash the pears and apples well under running water.
- Cut the pears and apples into small cubes or thin slices. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large pot, add the chopped fruits, sugar, lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest, seeds from the vanilla pod, and the cinnamon stick.
- Gently mix all the ingredients to combine well.

3. Initial Boiling
- Place the pot over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a boil, stirring occasionally. Wait about 5 minutes.
- This initial boiling will help extract the juices from the fruits and intensify the flavors.

4. Adding the Chocolate
- Remove the pot from heat and add the dark chocolate cut into small pieces. Mix well until the chocolate completely melts and incorporates into the mixture.
- Let the mixture cool, then cover the pot with plastic wrap and let it chill overnight. This step will allow the flavors to develop.

5. Final Boiling
- The next day, remove the wrap and place the pot back on low heat. Let the jam boil for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the consistency of the jam; it should be thick and sticky.
- Do the set test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate. If it holds its shape, it's ready.

6. Bottling
- Remove the jam from heat and pour it hot into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly.
- Place the jars in a pot of water that reaches the tops of the jars and let them boil for 30 minutes for sterilization.
- After finishing, let the jars cool in the water they boiled in.

7. Storage
- Once the jars are completely cooled, store them in the refrigerator. The jam can be kept for up to two months – if you can resist the temptation!

Serving Suggestions
Fruit jam with chocolate is ideal served alongside a slice of toasted bread or on fluffy pancakes. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or as a topping for Greek yogurt. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like peaches or apricots.
- What if the jam doesn't thicken?
If the jam doesn't thicken, you can let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Is sterilizing the jars necessary?
Yes, sterilization is important to prevent bacterial growth.

Nutritional Values and Calories
This jam contains approximately 200 calories per serving (50g), providing a good source of fruit vitamins. Additionally, dark chocolate brings antioxidants, making this jam a healthier option compared to other desserts.

Tips and Variations
- You can add a splash of rum or brandy to the mixture for an extra flavor note.
- Try combining different types of chocolate to achieve a unique taste.

Fruit jam with chocolate is a simple recipe, yet full of rich flavors that will make your winter holidays much sweeter. Don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones, and enjoy moments filled with warmth and happiness together! Enjoy!