Spiced Peach Preserves

Recipe courtesy of jilliciousdiscoveries.com and adapted from So Easy to Preserve, pg. 210 http://jilliciousdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2009/08/72-lbs-of-peaches.html

• 20 cups peaches
• 10 cups sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom
• 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 lemon, zested

1. Sterilize canning jars. Combine peaches, sugar, spices and lemon juice & zest and slowly bring to boiling (I cook it on low for at least 30 minutes, so the flavors have a chance to infuse with the peaches), stirring occasionally.
2. Cook rapidly until thick, about 15 to 25 minutes (this was a very large batch, so it took a bit longer--if you cut this recipe in half, it won't take as long), stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Pour hot jams/preserves into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids. Process 5 minutes in a Boiling Water Bath.
4. Allow jars to sit undisturbed for at least 12 hours before moving them.

Yields = 19 half-pint jars