WomensDeals Spirited Fruits

Materials:

	Citrus fruit (orange, kumquat, tangerine)
	1 cup sugar, granulated
	1-1/4 cups water
	Liqueur (try brandy, vodka, or a citrus-flavored liqueur)
	Sterilized jar
	Wrapping twine or ribbon (optional)
	Gift box (optional)
	Excelsior (optional)

Instructions:

1.		Wash the fruit, then halve and pit oranges, clementines, and kumquats. Pare the rind using a sharp knife, taking care not to leave any of the bitter white pith.
2.		Place 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1-1/4 cups of water in a large saucepan. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil.
3.		Add the fruit to the syrup and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, until the fruit is just tender but the skins are still intact and the fruits are whole.
4.		Carefully remove the fruit using a slotted spoon and arrange neatly in warmed sterilized jars. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar to the syrup in the saucepan and stir continuously until it has dissolved.
5.		Boil the syrup rapidly until it reaches 225°F, or the thread stage. Test by dipping a spoon into a small amount of syrup and pull up; if ready, a thread should form. Let cool.
6.		Measure the cooled syrup, then pour in an equal amount of liqueur. Mix until blended. Pour over the fruit in the jar until covered. Seal each with a screw or clip top, label, and keep up to 4 months.
7.		Before giving, tie with a festive bow or raffia and set in a special box filled with excelsior, fine curled wood shavings used especially for packing fragile items.