Sugar- and Pectin-Free Preserves

This is a delicious jam/preserves recipe that I came up when when I started limiting the amount of sugar I eat. It's delicious without added sugar or those nasty artificial sugars (sucralose, aspartame, etc.). I love this best on a slice of whole grain whole wheat toast with some butter. Refrigerate before serving.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 66 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 5 cups smashed fresh apricots
• 2 ½ cups xylitol
• 6 half pint canning jars with lids and rings

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

Step 2

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Combine apricots, xylitol, cinnamon, and lemon juice together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and continue boiling until a thermometer inserted into mixture reads 220 degrees F (104 degrees C), 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4

Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack apricot mixture into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.