Peach Pecan & Amaretto Preserves

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 2 lbs peaches, peeled
• 1 cup golden raisin
• 3/4 cup water, more if needed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons strained fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup pecan halves or 1/2 cup pecan pieces
• 3 tablespoons amaretto liqueur

Recipe

• 1 in a heavy, non-reactive saucepot combine raisins and water and let raisins soak until they plump.
• 2 cut peaches into halves or quarters and combine them with the plumped raisins and water.
• 3 add zest and heat mixture to simmering until very tender, about 15 minutes.
• 4 stir in orange and lemon juices and return to a boil.
• 5 add sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring very frequently with a flat bottom wooden spoon, until thick, about 30 minutes.
• 6 test mixture: put a spoonful on a chilled saucer and let it cool; when saucer is held on edge, the surface of the jam should wrinkle.
• 7 add the pecans and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes longer.
• 8 remove from heat and stir in the amaretto.
• 9 ladle into hot, clean canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
• 10 seal with new two-piece lids according to manufacturer's directions and process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.
• 11 cool, label, and store.
• 12 best if allowed to mellow in the jars for two weeks before serving.
• 13 makes great holiday gifts.