Well, aside from baking with jam, here are a few great, quick, easy, and tasty ways to use up leftover jam.
This is probably the simplest way to use leftover jam. Just open your favorite plain or vanilla yogurt and swirl in your jam of choice. Not only is this easy, a little different and delicious - but I can determine the amount of sugar or sweetness I’m feeling.
Did you know you can use jam to enhance a savory dish? I’ve tried many on fish, chicken, beef, pork, or veggies. This one is especially good on chicken and has become one of my favorites.
Fig Balsamic Chicken - The magic is in the sauce. Five ingredients and a little salt and pepper, done. Olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar, shallot, garlic, butter, and ⅓ cup of jam (I used fig, but apricot, peach, plum cherry, or even leftover marmalade would work perfectly). This is a one saucepan sauce that you can whip up for the whole family.
Another excellent use for the leftover jam is the homemade salad dressing. A tablespoon combined with any vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a fresh herb, and you have a new and tasty dressing.
My Meyer lemon dressing falls under the “why didn’t I think of that” category. My friend suggested I make a salad dressing using my Meyer lemon curd and toss in a couple of fresh herbs. BAM! It’s bright, fresh, slightly sweet, and perfect on any salad. I will definitely be using this recipe often.
Yes! Jam in cocktails or mocktails is definitely a great way to empty a jar. I’ve used pretty much any leftover flavor to jazz up my Friday night cocktails. Muddling the jam in a cocktail shaker or even heating it with a bit of sugar and water to make a simple syrup will add a fresh twist to your favorite spirit. Top it off with your sparkling water of choice, and you have a refreshing drink.
I usually make a smoothie if I’m in a hurry and need a ‘to go’ meal. Always good and another way to use leftover jam. Sometimes the frozen fruit you buy seems to lack flavor or isn’t sweet. I’ve experienced that on many occasions. So to remedy that bland taste - I toss in a tablespoon or two of one of my fruit spreads. Picks it right up! That and a little protein powder and oat milk blended is a great way to start the day.
Whether you use pork tenderloin or firm tofu mixing leftover apricot jam or marmalade with a bit of mustard, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper, make a fantastic glaze. If you like, add a little chopped rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Jams in glazes make easy and tasty recipes.
I LOVE overnight oats. This is one of the easiest, quick breakfast ideas and takes no time to make. One of the coolest things about overnight oats is that it's like a blank canvas. You can add seasonal fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you like, chopped nuts, and a spoonful of any leftover jam or jelly you have in the fridge. This is my go-to on a pretty regular basis.
For a single serving, simply combine ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick) with ½ milk (any type of milk or milk product), cover, and stick it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready for breakfast - add your favorite fruit, nuts of choice, even a little yogurt for an extra creamy texture, and a tablespoon of jam. Breakfast is served!
Recipes you can make with leftover jams:
