Categories: conserves, jams, jellies, preserves

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 6-oz. pkg. mixed dried fruit bits
• 1/4 cup dried tart cherries, snipped
• 1 medium unpeeled orange, chopped and seeded
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds, chopped

Directions

1. In a 4-quart pot combine water, sugar, dried fruit bits, cherries, and orange. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook about 15 minutes or until dried fruits are tender.
2. Stir in dates, lemon juice, and cardamom. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, about 12 minutes more or until mixture is thickened but some liquid remains, stirring frequently. (You should have about 6 cups mixture). Stir in almonds, cook 2 minutes more.
3. Ladle hot conserve into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids. Process the filled jars in a oiling-water canner for 15 minutes (start timing when water boils). Remove the jars form the canner; cool on racks. Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.
4. Serving suggestion: Use as a spread on firm bread or bagels with cream cheese if desired, or use it as a glaze for meats and poultry.

5. makes 6 half-pints

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