Lemon Marmalade

Simple lemon marmalade uses only 3 ingredients. The recipe is easy, but will take some time. The time investment is definitely worthwhile. Keep this one in mind for kitchen gifts.Using vegetable peeler, remove yellow part of peel in strips from lemons. Cut strips into 1-by 1/8-inch strips. With knife, cut off all white membrane, or pith, from peeled lemons.

Cut peeled lemons crosswise into 1/4- inch-thick slices. In heavy nonaluminum 5-quart kettle or Dutch oven, combine lemon peel, sliced fruit, and water. Cover and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours.

Heat lemon mixture to boiling over high heat, stirring frequently.

Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lemon mixture is very soft, about 1 hour.

Add sugar to lemon mixture and increase heat to medium-high; stir until sugar dissolves. Heat to boiling and reduce heat just so mixture boils gently. Boil uncovered, stirring frequently, until candy thermometer registers 220 degrees F., 45 to 60 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare three 1-pint canning jars with their lids and bands for processing following manufacturer's directions. Spoon marmalade into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch space at top of jars.

Wipe jar rims clean. Seal with lids and bands. Process jars in boiling-water bath 15 minutes. Cool jars on wire rack. Label jars; store in cool, dry place.

For gifts, if desired, decorate each jar with a fabric circle tied on with ribbon. After opening jar, store marmalade in the refrigerator.

Yield: 3 pints

Recipe Source: Country Living's Country Morning Cookbook (Hearst Books)
Reprinted with permission.