Fresh Fig Preserves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs firm ripe figs
4 1/2 lbs sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 lemons, sliced
3 -5 whole cinnamon sticks or 3 -5 pieces gingerroot

Preparation

Wash and peel the figs; set aside.
Combine sugar and lemon juice in large nonreactive saucepan; add enough water to dissolve sugar.
Add figs and lemon slices; cook about 45 minutes.
The cinnamon or ginger may be tied in a cheesecloth bag and cooked with figs for added flavor, or just put in saucepan and lift out with strainer or slotted spoon.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Pack preserves into clean, hot jars, and seal immediately.
Process in boiling water bath 5 minutes for half-pints, 10 minutes for pints.
Makes 8 to 10 (6-ounce) jars.