Honey Packed Peaches

Makes 6 pints.

2 3/4 cups water, divided
1/4 cup lemon juice
5 pounds peaches*, peeled, pitted and cut into wedges
1 1/4 cups honey
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
6 small strips lemon zest

In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup water and lemon juice. Stir fruit in gently, coating all pieces. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, bring honey and remaining water to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract. Cover pan to keep contents hot. Pack fruit gently into 6 hot sterilized pint jars, filling to 1/4 inch from top of jar, and place a piece of lemon zest in each jar. Fill jars with honey mixture up to 1/4 inch from tops. Wipe rims of jars; top with lids. Screw on bands. Place jars on rack in canning kettle of hot water, adding water if necessary to bring water level to 1 inch above tops of jars. Bring water to a rolling boil; boil for 25 minutes. Remove jars carefully and cool on a wire rack.

*Apricots or nectarines may be substituted.

NOTE: Every honey variety has its own unique color and taste. There are approximately 300 varieties of honey in the United States - with flavors that range from delicately sweet to richly bold. In general, the lighter the color of honey, the milder the flavor. Try a light honey such as clover or orange blossom in Honey Packed Peaches and Honey-Lemon Jelly. Experiment with a more robustly flavored honey such as wildflower or avocado when making Strawberry Jam or any of your favorite recipes.