Peach Raspberry Lavender Jam

This is a very tasty gourmet jam. Great for gift giving. It has beautiful color and flavor. The hint of lavender adds a floral note, but you can omit it if you would like.

I like to add it, because it gives the jam an unexpected flavor that just adds to the fruitiness of the taste.

 Peach Raspberry Lavender Jam

4 teaspoons dried lavender buds (natural food market)

3 pound peaches, peeled and finely chopped

1 pint red raspberries, rinsed

2 1/4 cups sugar

6 tablespoons lemon juice

1 pkg pectin

Put lavender buds in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over the buds and steep for 10 minutes or so. Strain the scented water into a bowl and set aside. Discard the buds.

In a 6 quart sauce pan over medium-heat, combine peaches, raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring often, until liquid has thickened and is like the consistency of maple syrup, about 20 minutes. Stir in the lavender water and pectin. Return to a full rolling boil, stirring often and boil hard for 1 to 2 more minutes.

Remove pan from heat and ladle into sterile jars. Process in a BWB for 10 minutes for pints and half-pint jars. This will make approx. 7 half-pint jars.