Recipe: Harvest Fruit Conserve and Pear Conserve (using apples and pears)

HARVEST FRUIT CONSERVE
Makes 5 1/2 cups

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped dried peaches
1 cup water
1 tbsp. lemon juice
4 cups sugar
3 cups (4 medium) chopped, cored, peeled pears
2 cups (2 medium) chopped, cored, peeled apples

In small saucepan, combine apricots, peaches, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 5 minutes. Set aside.

In large saucepan, combine sugar, pears and apples. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add cooked apricot mixture. Bring to a boil; boil 5 minutes.

Ladle into 5 clean, hot 8 ounce jelly jars or moisture-vaporproof freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Cool slightly; cover with tight fitting lids. Cool several hours. Refrigerate at least 24 hours to thicken slightly.

Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or in freezer up to 3 months.

---

PEAR CONSERVE

1 cup fresh pears, ground
1 cup fresh apples, ground
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. pineapple flavoring

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into clean, dry containers. Cool, seal and store in refrigerator or freezer.

---

Dear Laura,

Here are a couple of recipes to experiment with in case the exact one you're looking for doesn't turn up.

Happy Holiday Cooking!

Betsy