Jams & Jellies
and
This & That
Memelede De Cacto
Prickly Pear Marmalade
2 lemons, thinly sliced
4 cups water
4 cups prickly pears,
peeled, chopped and seeded
2 large, unpeeled oranges,
chopped (about 3 cups)
6 cups sugar
1. Combine lemon, orange, and water in a large mixing bowl. Allow to stand for 12-18 hours in a cool location. 2. Pour mixture into a kettle and cook at medium-high heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the peel is tender. Cool. 3. When cooled, add prickly pears and sugar to the mixture and cook at medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixtue begins to thicken, approximately 25-30 minutes. 4. Pour mixture into hot, sterilized, half-pint canning jars. Seal jars according to manufacturer's directions. 5. Process jars in a Boiling Water Bath for five minutes. Test seal when cooled.
Boiling Water Bath
A Boiling Water Bath is the cooking of food in jars for a set period of time. The boiling water bath seals the lids of the jars to prevent bacterial entry, and the heating of the jars destroys the bacteria, enzymes, molds and yeast in the food inside the jars. The jars are immersed in a large container filled with boiling water. The water must cover the tops of the jars by 2 inches throughout the boiling time.
