Honey jam with nuts and raisins

Here's a recipe for Honey Jam with Nuts and Raisins:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups honey (preferably raw or unfiltered)
• 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts), roughly chopped
• 1 cup raisins (golden or dark)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nuts and Raisins:

   • Roughly chop the mixed nuts and set them aside.
   • If the raisins are large, you can chop them into smaller pieces, though this is optional.

2. Cook the Honey:

   • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, warm the honey over medium-low heat. Stir gently to prevent burning, and cook until the honey is warm and slightly runny (about 5-7 minutes).
   • If you're using cinnamon, add it to the honey at this stage and stir well.

3. Add Nuts and Raisins:

   • Add the chopped nuts and raisins to the warm honey. Stir well to combine and ensure that the nuts and raisins are evenly distributed.

4. Simmer the Jam:

   • Continue to cook the mixture on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the honey to slightly thicken. If the mixture thickens too much, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it.

5. Add Flavorings:

   • If using, stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest towards the end of the cooking time. These ingredients add a nice depth of flavor to the jam.

6. Cool and Jar:

   • Remove the pan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. The jam will thicken further as it cools.
   • Ladle the warm mixture into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids.

7. Storage:

   • This honey jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Since honey is a natural preservative, the jam should remain fresh and flavorful.

Enjoy!

This honey jam with nuts and raisins is perfect as a spread on toast, a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or even as a filling for pastries. It’s a delightful mix of sweetness, crunch, and chewiness that’s sure to be a hit!