While answering comments this morning I ran across a monthly meme called The Recipe Box Swap over at I have to say… that is right up my alley. Most of you know by now I cook primarily from scratch avoiding as many boxed and canned items or processed items as possible. So what better way to share a recipe than a recipe swap that revolves around fresh ingredients? I was able to score some beautiful cherries at the farmer’s market recently and they were wonderful ingredients for this recipe. I also like to make large batches if I’m going to make that big a mess, so this recipe is for a double batch. This recipe was also a 1st place winner at the LA County Fair.

CHERRY CONSERVES
7 cups cherries ~ washed, pitted and halved
1 cup cranberries ~ washed and halved
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup orange juice
10 cups sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 packages pectin

• In a small bowl soak the raisins in the orange juice for at least an hour before beginning.
• In a large stock pot combine the cherries, cranberries, cinnamon and lemon juice. Mix well.
• Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes or so until the fruit is soft enough to create a mashed mush as it thickens. Add the sugar and walnuts and mix well.
• Bring to a rolling boil.
• When the rolling boil cannot be stirred away add the pectin and boil for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat, skim foam and immediately pour into sterilized jars.
• Water bath 15 minutes.
• Enjoy.