I have a problem with calling any fruit-related product "sugar free." Let's face it . . . even with a non-calorie sweetener, anything made with fruit shouldn't be called "sugar free" because fruit has sugar! However, it's the 'added sugar' that throws the carb level over the top.
I suppose I could have called this recipe "Easy Non-Added-Regular-Sugar Apricot Preserves," but that just seemed a little too cumbersome.
So, I look at it this way . . . if Smucker's can get away with calling their product "Sugar Free Apricot Preserves", then I can, too :-) I personally like Smucker's "Sugar Free Apricot Preserves", but I have a personal issue--there's a 5-gallon bucket of apricots sitting in my kitchen and I need to do something with them, like, YESTERDAY!
This preserves recipe, adapted from MJ's Kitchen, is easy, requires only 5 ingredients, and is absolutely delicious! I really think these "Sugar Free Apricot Preserves" are just as good--if not better--than Smucker's, but I need a few more opinions. So go ahead, make this recipe, and let me know what you think :-)
This preserves recipe, adapted from MJ's Kitchen, is easy, requires only 5 ingredients, and is absolutely delicious! I really think these "Sugar Free Apricot Preserves" are just as good--if not better--than Smucker's, but I need a few more opinions. So go ahead, make this recipe, and let me know what you think :-)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh apricots* (cleaned, pitted, chopped)
1/2 cup low-calorie granulated sweetener
15 drops vanilla-flavored liquid stevia extract
1 TBS. fresh lemon juice
1TBS. apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a non-reactive saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil on medium heat while stirring with a wooden spoon.
3. Turn heat to low, stir periodically, and cook for about 20-30 minutes--or until preserves are slightly thicker or reduced to about half.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Spoon into a jar and store in the refrigerator for 3 days or keep in the freezer. Makes about 1/2 pint. Enjoy!
*Note: Choose apricots that are ripe, firm, and NOT MUSHY. It's okay if a few are slightly under ripe because they'll produce more of the natural pectin.
1 1/2 cups fresh apricots* (cleaned, pitted, chopped)
1/2 cup low-calorie granulated sweetener
15 drops vanilla-flavored liquid stevia extract
1 TBS. fresh lemon juice
1TBS. apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a non-reactive saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil on medium heat while stirring with a wooden spoon.
3. Turn heat to low, stir periodically, and cook for about 20-30 minutes--or until preserves are slightly thicker or reduced to about half.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Spoon into a jar and store in the refrigerator for 3 days or keep in the freezer. Makes about 1/2 pint. Enjoy!
*Note: Choose apricots that are ripe, firm, and NOT MUSHY. It's okay if a few are slightly under ripe because they'll produce more of the natural pectin.