I first invented this jam back in 2006. Truth be told, I can’t remember what the “secrets” were back then, but the new ones are perfect. Of course I enjoy the coyness of the name, but what’s really cool about it is that the secret ingredients — orange, vanilla bean, cinnamon and Amaro Nonino (an Italian bitter) — seamlessly enhance the taste of the figs. It’s like you don’t even know they’re there — the figs just taste, well, better. Figgier, even! My assistant, Ariane, says this jam looks like a starry night sky, which is perfectly, poetically apt, and just one more reason to make it as soon as possible.
This is a beautiful jam — bright orange flecked with little black orbs, which crunch delightfully. If you are not a fan of crunch, however, feel free to remove the seeds by straining the passion fruit pulp before combining it with the other ingredients.
Bitter has always been one of my favorite flavors, hence my abiding love of marmalade. I also love cocktail bitters and digestive bitters like Campari and Fernet. Here is where the two come together. Blood oranges make a gorgeous red marmalade, and their bitterness is enhanced by the addition of cocktail bitters.