Southern Living Plum Preserves

Ingredients

4 pounds plums
4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (15-ounce) package raisins

Preparation

1. Cut plums in half. Remove and discard pits.
2. Bring 2 cups sugar, orange rind, and juices to a full rolling boil in a Dutch oven, stirring constantly, 4 to 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat, and add remaining 2 cups sugar, plum halves, and raisins; simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes or until thickened, skimming off any foam.
3. Pour hot mixture immediately into hot sterilized jars, filling to 1/4 inch from top. Remove air bubbles; wipe jar rims. Cover at once with metal lids, and screw on bands.
4. Process in a boiling-water bath 20 minutes.
5. Note: Store unopened preserves in a cool, dry place up to one year.