Christmas Dried-Fruit Jam

• tart apples↗3 lbs

  cored wedges

• water↗6 cups
• dried figs↗1 1⁄2 cups

  chopped

• dried apricots↗1 1⁄2 cups

  chopped

• dried pears↗1 1⁄2 cups

  chopped

• dried dates↗1 cup

  pitted, chopped

• dried prune↗1 cup

  pitted, chopped

• candied lemon peel↗1⁄4 cup
• candied orange peel↗1⁄4 cup
• candied cherry↗1⁄4 cup
• orange, juice and zest of, finely grated↗1 1
• lemon, juice and zest of, finely grated↗1 1
• ground cardamom↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• ground cinnamon↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• anise seed1⁄2 teaspoon

  (crushed)

• cups sugar↗4
• cup walnut pieces↗1⁄2
• cup slivered almonds↗1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Place apples in large pot with water, simmer until soft.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, add all the chopped & pitted fruit.

3. 3

   Press soft apples with a potato masher, then spoon into a square of cheesecloth (clipped to a footed colander), suspended over the bowl of fruit.

4. 4

   Let apples drip over fruit WITHOUT squeezing or forcing--overnight.

5. 5

   Next morning: add remaining ingredients EXCEPT for nuts to a large sauce-pot, adding soaked fruit.

6. 6

   Stir, then simmer gently until sugar dissolves; bring to a boil; boiling for five minutes.

7. 7

   Skim survace, add nuts, boil another five minutes until 200*F (sea level).

8. 8

   Remove pan from heat; spoon jam into hot jars, add two-part lids; process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes (sea level).

9. 9

   Label and store in cool, dark cupboard.

10. 10

    GIFT GIVING: Use pretty jars and add a decorative label -- include in a basket with other home-made kitchen gifts. "How nice of you!".

11. 11

    USES: As described above OR as a replacement for traditional (with suet) mincemeat.