RECIPE

Apricot Honey

• Recipe by Eugenia Bone

My Colorado neighbor Beulah Fletcher, 98 and still cooking, has been making a version of this apricot honey for 77 years. She doesn't know why it's called a honey, but maybe it's because of the consistency and sweetness. I spread it on pancakes instead of maple syrup. Beulah says apricot honey also makes a delicious flavoring for homemade ice cream. This recipe is adapted from one she published in Fruit Fixins of the North Fork 1882-1972.

• Make-Ahead

Ingredients

1. 4 pounds apricots (3 quarts), pitted and coarsely chopped
2. 4 1/2 pounds sugar (10 cups)
3. 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Puree the apricots in a food processor. In a large, heavy pot, mix the apricot puree with the sugar and lemon juice and bring to a boil over moderate heat, skimming as necessary. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Pour the apricot honey into 6 hot sterilized 1-pint jars, stopping 1/4 inch from the top. Wipe the glass rims and close the jars. Set them in a water bath and bring to a boil. Process for 15 minutes.