Christmas Dried-Fruit Jam

• 3 lbs tart apples, cored wedges
• 6 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried figs, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups dried apricots, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups dried pears, chopped
• 1 cup dried dates, pitted, chopped
• 1 cup dried prune, pitted, chopped
• 1/4 cup candied lemon peel
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel
• 1/4 cup candied cherry
• 1 orange, juice and zest of, finely grated
• 1 lemon, juice and zest of, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon anise seed (crushed)
• 4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

1. Place apples in large pot with water, simmer until soft.
2. In a large bowl, add all the chopped & pitted fruit.
3. Press soft apples with a potato masher, then spoon into a square of cheesecloth (clipped to a footed colander), suspended over the bowl of fruit.
4. Let apples drip over fruit WITHOUT squeezing or forcing--overnight.
5. Next morning: add remaining ingredients EXCEPT for nuts to a large sauce-pot, adding soaked fruit.
6. Stir, then simmer gently until sugar dissolves; bring to a boil; boiling for five minutes.
7. Skim survace, add nuts, boil another five minutes until 200*F (sea level).
8. Remove pan from heat; spoon jam into hot jars, add two-part lids; process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes (sea level).
9. Label and store in cool, dark cupboard.
10. GIFT GIVING: Use pretty jars and add a decorative label -- include in a basket with other home-made kitchen gifts. "How nice of you!".
11. USES: As described above OR as a replacement for traditional (with suet) mincemeat.

tart apples, water, dried figs, dried apricots, dates, dried prune, candied orange peel, candied cherry, orange, lemon, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, anise, sugar, walnut pieces, almonds

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/christmas-dried-fruit-jam-254989 (may not work)