Directions:

• Pit and slice apricots. Measure 5 cups (1250 ml) and set aside. Peel, core and chop apples. Measure 2 cups (500 ml).
• Combine apricots, apples, sugar, honey and lemon juice in a large stainless steel saucepan. Let stand 40 minutes.
• Place 6 clean 250 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner. Cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Keep jars hot until ready to use.
• Preheating Bernardin® lids is not advised. The sealing compound used for our home canning lids performs better at room temperature than it does pre-heated in simmering water (180°F). Simply wash lids in hot, soapy water, dry, and set aside until needed. Preheating can lead to less vacuum being achieved during water bath canning, and to buckle failures during pressure canning.
• Bring fruit mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Boil gently, uncovered, or until mixture thickens and reaches gel stage, about 20 to 30 minutes. (Gel Plate Test: remove mixture from heat; pour a spoonful of cooked recipe on a cold plate and place in freezer for a few minutes. A gel has been achieved when the product does not run together when separated with a spoon). Remove from heat and skim foam. If using brandy, stir in and return preserves to heat. Boil 5 minutes longer, stirring constantly.
• Quickly ladle hot preserves into a hot jar to within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more preserves. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining preserves.
• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 10 minutes.
• When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.
• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Notes & Tips