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A warm slice of toast slathered with vibrant peach jalapeño chia jam brings just the right blend of sweet and heat to your breakfast or snack routine. When summer peaches are at their juiciest, this jam became my favorite way to savor the season and use up the market’s best produce before it slipped away.
My family loves the playful spice from jalapeño I first made this for a picnic brunch Now we look forward to its cheerful color and fruity zing all summer long.
Ingredients
- Ripe peaches: brings juicy flavor and natural sweetness Choose peaches that yield slightly to the touch with a fragrant aroma
- Fresh jalapeño: adds that exciting kick without overwhelming heat Look for glossy and firm peppers
- Honey or maple syrup: natural sweetness to highlight the fruit Opt for local or real maple for extra depth
- Lemon juice: brightens and balances the jam Freshly squeezed is best
- Chia seeds: thickens the jam while boosting nutrition Choose plump and glossy seeds for freshness
- Slices of bread: the crispy base for your jam Sourdough is my pick because it holds up well under the jam and offers a tangy contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- Combine ripe peaches and finely chopped jalapeño with honey and lemon juice in a medium saucepan Cook gently over medium heat for around ten minutes Stir often until the peaches soften completely and the mixture begins to break down Mash any larger peach pieces with your spoon as they cook to help them become jammy
- Thicken the Jam:
- Take the cooked peach mixture off the heat and immediately stir in the chia seeds Let it stand for at least five minutes The chia seeds will swell and turn the fruit blend into a thick spoonable jam For a thicker set let it sit a bit longer and cool slightly
- Toast the Bread:
- Toast your bread until it turns deep golden and crisp I prefer to use a toaster to get a consistent crunch The sturdier the bread the better it stands up to all that luscious jam
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spread a generous layer of peach jalapeño chia jam over each slice of toast Serve while the bread is still warm for the best contrast of crispy and soft
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This jam convinced my skeptical partner that chia seeds could actually taste amazing The speckled look of the jam always brings me back to my childhood when my grandmother would surprise us with fun homemade fruit spreads
Storage Tips
Let the jam cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight glass jar Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week For longer storage freeze the jam in small containers and thaw overnight in the fridge I find the texture stays perfect for a quick grab and go breakfast option
Ingredient Substitutions
No fresh peaches Substitute with thawed frozen peaches just be sure to drain off excess juice first If jalapeño is too spicy for kids try using a bit of sweet bell pepper or leave it out completely Maple syrup is a lovely vegan alternative to honey
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Serving Suggestions
This jam toasts up beautifully but you can also swirl it into yogurt layer it on pancakes or waffles or pair it with soft cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer I even spoon it over cottage cheese for a satisfying high protein snack
A Bit of History
Chia seed jams have become popular in recent years thanks to their natural thickening power and health benefits Fresh fruit preserves like this are a modern twist on grandmother’s classics without all the sugar or canning fuss The spicy fruit combo channels traditional Southern pepper jellies but with a lighter fresher spin
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches work well. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking for best results.
- → How spicy do the toasts get with jalapeño?
The jalapeño adds mild heat. Remove seeds for a milder taste or leave some for extra spice.
- → How long does the chia jam last?
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before serving.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely, simply use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based option.
- → What type of bread is best?
Sourdough is recommended for a tangy contrast, but any sturdy bread works well when toasted.
- → Is the chia jam thick enough for spreading?
Yes, chia seeds help thicken the mixture, resulting in a nicely spreadable consistency after cooling.