Happy Holidays!

Today, I'm making "Christmas Orange Marmalade with Agave" in my kitchen. As I look at my recipe below, I think about the many things you and your family are doing this week to prepare for your celebration. Maybe it will include my orange marmalade! But for sure, I want to thank each of you for the friendship, support, and your interest in "Caroline's No Nightshade Kitchen: Arthritis Diet."  I'm very grateful to all of you! Wishing you a very special and loving Christmas!

Be well,

Caroline

CHRISTMAS ORANGE MARMALADE WITH AGAVE

This delicious and fragrant orange marmalade creates a lovely hostess gift during the holidays. Christmases past came to mind as I prepared a dozen jars of this jam for loved ones. This recipe is sweetened without sugar, which is replaced with agave.  Happy Holidays!!!!

12 (8oz.) canning jars with lids and seals,

    washed and sterilized

2 ½ lbs. or 8-10 large naval oranges, washed well

1 -2 lemons, zest finely grated and juiced

4-5 cups water, or more as needed

30-36 oz. bottle agave, used for desired sweetness

Wash jars, lids, and seals, then sterilize in boiling water; place on a clean kitchen towel. Slice oranges with a mandoline, food processor, or by hand to 1/8 inch pieces. Thin is important. Stack orange slices and cut into quarter pieces. Place oranges in an 8 quart pot, add water, lemon zest and juice. Bring to boil for approximately 10-12 minutes. Reduce mixture to a high simmer, stirring often, for about 1 hour or until fruit is very tender, and marmalade thickens nicely. Add 1 cup agave as mixture cooks, and test for sweetness. Add additional agave, as desired, during cooking process. Mixture should reach 222-223 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Oranges will darken to a rich orange color. Marmalade should be a soft gel when done. Use a canning funnel and ladle to fill jars with jam. Marmalade may vary by 1-2 jars. Wipe rims and threads of jars with a moist paper towel. Add a lid and ring, and then tighten each jar. Let cool on kitchen counter before storing in refrigerator. Marmalade can be refrigerated for up to 2 months, but is a treat on Christmas morning. Enjoy!