Spiced Cherry Orange Jam

Ingredients

• 4 each oranges
• water
• 2 each cinnamon sticks
• 4 each allspice whole
• 6 each cloves whole
• 4 pounds dark sweet pitted cherries fresh
• 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh
• 6 1/2 cups sugar

Instructions

1. Slice oranges very thinly; place in preserving kettle; add water to cover by 1/4 inch, about 5 cups.
2. Tie spices in a cheesecloth bag; add to kettle; bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat slightly; boil until oranges are very tender; remove spice bag and discard.
3. Add pitted cherries, lemon juice, and sugar to kettle; stir until sugar is dissolved; return mixture to boil; boil rapidly until mixture thickens and reaches gel stage, about 1 hour.
4. Cool for about 5 minutes, skimming off foam with a metal spoon and stirring occasionally.
5. Ladle into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace; seal with melted paraffin wax; cover with clean lids.
6. Store in a cool, dark, dry place.