Peach Preserves

Total Time: 3 hrs Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 5 cups diced ripe firm peaches (8-12 peaches, depending on size)
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 (3 ounce) package liquid pectin
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Recipe

• 1 in large stockpot combine the peaches with the lemon juice and 2 cups of the sugar.
• 2 cover and let stand for 1 hour.
• 3 when starting to cook peaches prepare water bath canner and sterilize jars by boiling for 10 minutes.
• 4 leave jars in hot water covered until ready to use.
• 5 add lids to a small saucepan and pour boiling water over (do not boil lids) and leave in hot water until ready to use.
• 6 add remaining sugar, cinnamon and butter and heat uncovered over medium heat stirring often until sugar is dissolved.
• 7 bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• 8 increase heat to high, add pectin and bring to a full rolling boil (continues to boil while stirring).
• 9 boil for 1 minute then remove from heat and skim off excess foam.
• 10 add almond extract and let mixture cool for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• 11 ladle into sterilized jars leaving 1/4" headspace.
• 12 wipe rims clean and place seals on jars.
• 13 screw on bands just to finger tight.
• 14 place jars in water bath canner making sure you have 1-2 inches of water covering tops of jars.
• 15 cover, bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. (adjust for high altitude, if necessary).
• 16 turn off fire, remove lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
• 17 remove and let sit undisturbed until sealed and cooled.
• 18 check to make sure lids have sealed and store in cool dry area.