Cherry Strawberry Conserve

Make during the height of cherry season and use to brighten winter dishes.

3 cups fresh Northwest sweet cherries, halved and pitted
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
3 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Combine all ingredients except walnuts in saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil over moderate heat; cook 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Add walnuts about 5 minutes before removing from heat. Ladle into clean hot canning jars to within 1/4 -inch of tops. Seal according to jar manufacturer's directions. Place jars on rack in canner.

Process 10 minutes in a simmering hot water bath at 190 degrees F. water two inches above jar tops. Remove jars from canner. Place on thick cloth or wire racks; cool away from drafts. After 12 hours test lids for proper seal; remove rings
from sealed jars.

4 half pints

The Northwest Cherry Growers