French Set Apricot and Lavender Jam (Confiture)

Serves	Makes 1.8 to 2 kilos jam (31/2 to 41/2 lbs)
Prep time	24 hours
Cook time	20 minutes
Total time	24 hours, 20 minutes
Dietary	Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Meal type	Breakfast, Condiment, Side Dish, Snack
Misc	Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold
Occasion	Birthday Party, Casual Party, Christmas, Easter, Formal Party, Thanksgiving, Valentines day
Region	French

A wonderful French set jam that is soft and full of fruit......the lavender adds a subtle flavour to the finished jam and also discourages mould. Serve this soft set confiture with toast, croissants or fresh crusty bread - it is also wonderful when used to sandwich cakes and in jam tarts.

Ingredients

1200g fresh apricots (stoned and cut in half)
1 kilo white sugar
juice of 1 large emon
sprigs of lavender (flower heads, free of insecticide)

Note

Directions

Step 1	Layer the apricots and sugar in a large preserving pan, add the juice of the lemon and leave over night.
Step 2	When you are ready to make the jam, place two or three saucers into the freezer beforehand - to check the set.
Step 3	Place the pan over a low to medium heat, and allow the sugar to dissolve slowly....as soon as the sugar has dissolved, turn the heat up and bring the jam to a rolling boil and allow to boil for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring it every now and then, until a set has been achieved.
Step 4	After about 5 minutes, check for a set, take one of the cold saucers out of the freezer, take the jam off the heat and place a teaspoon of jam on the saucer, allow it to cool for a few seconds, then push it with your finger: if a crinkly skin has formed on the jam, then it has set. If it hasn't set, boil it again for another 5 minutes and do another test.
Step 5	When you have a set, remove the preserve from the heat and allow it to settle for 5 minutes before pouring it into the warmed sterilised jars. Place a sprig of fresh lavender on top of the jam and seal while still warm and label the jars when cold.