Fresh Fig Preserves

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 4 lbs firm ripe figs
• 4 1/2 lbs sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 3 -5 whole cinnamon sticks or 3 -5 pieces gingerroot

Recipe

• 1 wash and peel the figs; set aside.
• 2 combine sugar and lemon juice in large nonreactive saucepan; add enough water to dissolve sugar.
• 3 add figs and lemon slices; cook about 45 minutes.
• 4 the cinnamon or ginger may be tied in a cheesecloth bag and cooked with figs for added flavor, or just put in saucepan and lift out with strainer or slotted spoon.
• 5 stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• 6 pack preserves into clean, hot jars, and seal immediately.
• 7 process in boiling water bath 5 minutes for half-pints, 10 minutes for pints.
• 8 makes 8 to 10 (6-ounce) jars.