Spiced Apple & Pear Preserves

It's the little bit of cayenne that provides the zip to this apple and pear preserve recipe. Not enough to really taste, but enough to give life.

• 2 cups water
• 3 pounds pears, peeled, cored, quartered
• 1 1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, quartered
• 6 cups sugar
• 2 lemons, juice and grated rind
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

METHOD

If you are new to making preserves, please read Margaret's how -to article for cooking terms and safety measures. click here

Bring water to a boil. Put in apples and pears and cook until soft but not mushy. Add lemon juice, zest, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne

Test the setting point. If not quite ready continue to boil until the small amount of jam on a saucer jells. Fast boiling of berry jam will achieve the best result and a better set. Slightly under-ripe fruit also contains more pectin.

Bottle immediately in sterilized jars, and seal as per the jam and sauce instructions. Label with the date of manufacture, for good management of your store cupboard.

Yield: about 6 pints

Recipe from www.inmamaskitchen.com

Contributor: Elisa Durand

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