Orange-Fig Jam

When it comes to my slow cookers, the thing that they are most often filled with is meat; big roasts or a pile of chicken thighs. Or it's filled with soups, stews, or chili. Unless it's the holidays, then there is probably some mulled wine taking up residence. I have made cake in my slow cooker. Once. And okay, my small one often holds some sort of warm dip. But they are capable of so much more!

And since our Sunday Supper theme for this week is Slowly Bringing in the New Year, I decided that now was the perfect time to veer off the path, and use my slow cooker for something that I've never used it for in the past - jam. It makes sense to make jam in a slow cooker, if you think about it. The low, steady heat prevents scorching.

Figs and oranges go together like peanut butter and chocolate. And the scent of them doing their thing in the corner of the kitchen is bound to put a smile on your face. And warm you right up if it's as cold where you are as it is where I am (it's supposed to be anywhere from -40 to -56 overnight with the wind chill). You know, as long as you don't actually set food outside.

I love having a few jars of homemade jam in different colors and flavors tucked away on the pantry shelf or in the fridge. Of course it's delicious with your morning toast. Try this jam spread on toasted sourdough with salted butter. No. Words. But it's also a great way to throw together some impromptu snacking food if you get surprise company. Or, you know, if you just happen to have a sudden case of the munchies.

Pull out a couple of jars and a log or two of goat cheese...some crackers, of course...and you've got yourself a crowd pleaser. Especially if there's wine involved in that mix somewhere.

Oh, p.s. - if you really want a treat, spread this on a slice of bread, top it with some slices of brie and prosciutto, and make a grilled cheese. Once it's all toasty and melted, open it up and slide some peppery baby arugula leaves in there. Oh. Yes.

Orange-Fig Jam

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours (unattended)

Keywords: slow-cooker appetizer condiment sauce vegan oranges alcohol figs New Year

Ingredients (~1 quart)

• 1-3/4 cups water
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 14 ounces dried figs, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Instructions

Place all ingredients except orange rind in a 2-1/2 quart slow cooker; stir until sugar dissolves. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Stir in orange zest.

Place mixture into a food processor, and process until smooth. Spoon into jars and store in the refrigerator (or process for canning).

Serve w/ goat cheese (regular or rolled in herbs or nuts) and crackers.

-slightly adapted from Cooking Light Slow Cooker Tonight