Canned Fruit

Ingredients

• perfectly sound and ripe fruit
• sugar (optional)
• cold water
• rubber bands
• porcelain-lined glass jars

Directions

1. Prepare the fruit by cutting or leaving it whole.

2. Place jars in a pan of cold water with a towel underneath.

3. Heat the jars on the stove.

4. Fill jars with scalded fruit, adding sugar if desired.

5. Screw the tops on tightly and let them cool.

6. Tighten the tops again and store in a cool, dark place.

7. For canning without sugar, place prepared fruit in jars.

8. Set jars on a rack in a large boiler and add cold water halfway up the sides.

9. Cover the boiler with a cloth and lid, then heat.

10. Once steam escapes, cook small berries for 15 minutes, large berries and cherries for 20 minutes, and larger fruits for 20-30 minutes depending on type.

11. Remove the boiler from heat and screw on the covers when jars are cool enough to handle.