Apple Preserves

• lbs firm tart apples↗3 lbs
• cups cold water2 1⁄2 cups
• cups sugar↗3 cups
• teaspoons fresh lemon juice, to taste↗2 teaspoons

  to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Wash, core, and peel the apples; cut them into eighths.

2. 2

   You should have about 2 pounds of chopped apples.

3. 3

   Combine the water and sugar in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Boil for 2 1/2-3 minutes; set aside to cool.

5. 5

   Stir the apples and lemon juice into the cooled syrup; bring to a boil again and cook gently until the apples are clear and transparent.

6. 6

   You want to keep the apples in tact, so cook gently and shake the pan instead of stirring.

7. 7

   Remove pan from heat and using a sterilized, slotted spoon, transfer the apples to hot,sterilized jars; make sure to leave a 1/2" headspace.

8. 8

   Bring the syrup back to a boil and cook almost to the jellying point, 118*-120*F.

9. 9

   Spoon the syrup over the apples, leaving 1/2" headspace.

10. 10

    Allow the preserves to cool, then cover and refrigerate.

11. 11

    They will keep indefinitely.