With such a short season to enjoy figs, I’m always searching for ways to make my yield last longer. Jams are a great way to not only give my figs a longer shelf life, but they allow you to branch out of the traditional sweet-style fig.

This bourbon fig blend turns sweet into savory. With the spice and zest from liquor and herbs, this jam is the prime pair for a charcuterie board or a flavorful marinade for meat. I’m big on not using preservatives in my jams, so this will have a shelf life of approx. 3-4 weeks. No matter how you choose to serve this spread, it’s sure to be figgin’ delicious!

Recipe

Bourbon Fig Jam

• 2 lbs of Ripe Figs
• 1 cup of Bourbon(Maker’s Mark or Four Rose’s)
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 3 ½ cups of Sugar
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• 6 Sprigs of Thyme (Picked fresh from my garden.)

Directions

1. Slice figs in half and place in a deep saucepan.

2. Our ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into saucepan and let figs soak for 1 hour. (This help preserve the bourbon flavor once the alcohol is cooked off.)

3. Add sugar, lemon juice, thyme and salt.

4. Simmer on medium heat stirring continuously until jam thickens to preferred texture - approx. 20-30 minutes.

5. Transfer to mason jars to cool and set.

6. Refrigerate to store.