Peach and Vanilla Preserves

Peach and Vanilla Preserves

A lot of foods remind me of summer. Peaches, I think, more than most. We had a couple of peach trees in my back yard when I was a kid. Watching them ripen, and finally picking and eating peaches right off the tree, is a favorite memory of mine. When summer is long gone and I am watching snow fly outside my window I can open a jar of these preserves and it will feel a little more like summer.

Peach and Vanilla Preserves

 8 c. peaches, peeled, pitted and cubed or sliced

1 box powdered pectin

2 T. lemon juice

1 T. pure vanilla extract

7 c. sugar

Place peaches in a pot with the pectin, lemon juice and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Add sugar and stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil. Boil hard for 1 minute. Pour mixture into jelly jars leaving 1/4 -inch of headspace. Wipe rims and screw on lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Makes about 9 half- pint jars.

Adapted from Ball Blue Book