Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Rinse your peaches under cool, running water.
- Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. Immediately transfer the blanched peaches to a bowl of cold water.
- After 1 or 2 minutes of cooling, place the peaches on a towel or drainer to drain. Repeat this process until all the peaches have been blanched.
- Cut the peaches in half lengthwise and twist the two halves to separate.
- Remove and discard the pit and any stringy, fibrous flesh.
- Using your hands or a paring knife, remove the outer skin (peel) from the peaches and discard.
- Cut the peaches into quarters or smaller pieces and place them in a large saucepan. Add ½ cup of water.
Cooking
- Over medium heat, simmer the peaches until soft and mushy, stirring often.
- Process the peach mixture in a food processor, food mill, or immersion blender to produce a smooth peach pulp.
- Place 2 quarts of peach pulp in a large saucepan and add 4 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the peach butter to a soft boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a low boil, stirring often and watching for scorching or sticking. Cook the mixture until thick enough to form a mound on a spoon.
- Ladle or pour the jam into prepared jars or containers, maintaining ¼” headspace if canning.
- If canning, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet in elevation).
- If not canning, store the peach butter in the refrigerator or freezer after it has cooled, and eat within 3 weeks if refrigerated or 6 months if frozen.
Notes
Stir constantly as the butter thickens to avoid scorching. Use a spoon test for the desired thickness. For variations, consider adding vanilla, spices, or honey.
