Description
Ina Garten’s fresh strawberry rhubarb preserves showcase summer’s sweetest harvest in a luscious, bright spread. Homemade magic combines tangy rhubarb with sun-kissed strawberries, delivering a preserve so delicious you’ll want to savor each spoonful on warm toast or elegant pastries.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
- 4 cups (1 liter) diced fresh rhubarb
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated
Sweeteners:
- 6 cups (1.2 kg) sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Grand Marnier
- Zest of 2 oranges
Instructions
- Gather fresh, ripe strawberries, tender rhubarb, crisp apple, granulated sugar, Grand Marnier liqueur, fragrant orange zest, and cool water in a spacious 11-inch (28 centimeters) heavy-bottomed pot.
- Thoroughly mix all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors and sugar coating across the fruits.
- Position the pot over medium-low heat, covering with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and initiate the cooking process.
- Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, remove the lid and allow the fruits to simmer, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Monitor the temperature closely using a candy thermometer, aiming for 220°F (104°C) which typically occurs after 25 to 30 minutes of active cooking.
- During simmering, use a clean spoon to carefully remove any white foam that accumulates on the surface, discarding it to maintain a clear, vibrant preserve.
- Conduct a consistency test by placing a small amount of the mixture onto a chilled plate, then refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes to assess thickness.
- If the preserve seems too liquid, continue cooking for an additional few minutes, repeating the chilled plate test until achieving the desired texture.
- Allow the preserve to cool naturally in the pot, reaching room temperature without stirring.
- Transfer the finished preserve to a clean, sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for a maximum of 4 months.
Notes
- Grab ultra-fresh strawberries and rhubarb from local markets or your garden to guarantee vibrant, punchy flavors that sing through every spoonful of preserves.
- Watch your candy thermometer closely, aiming precisely at 220°F (104°C) to transform fruit into perfectly thickened, glossy goodness that spreads like dream.
- Gently skim away persistent foam bubbles during cooking, revealing a crystal-clear preserve that looks as stunning as it tastes.
- Perform the freeze test by dropping a small dollop onto a chilled plate, checking whether your preserve transforms into a luscious, spreadable texture that holds its shape.
- Allow preserves to rest and settle completely in the cooking pot before jarring, letting natural pectin work its magic and creating a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts, Breakfast
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 grams)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams