Wild Blueberry Preserves

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

For my dad’s blueberries

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 7 half-pi ...

• 6 cups whole wild blueberries
• ½ cup water
• 7 cups sugar
• 1 (3 ounce) package liquid pectin
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Remove the stems from the blueberries and gently rinse them in cool water; drain well.
2. (if using frozen blueberries, do not defrost or rinse).
3. In an 8-quart pot, alternately layer the blueberries, water, and about half of the sugar.
4. Over med-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking, gradually heat the mixture until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
5. Add in the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring gently between each addition.
6. Heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
7. Increase heat to med-high and bring mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring constantly.
8. Stir in the all the pectin; return to a full, rolling boil, stirring constantly.
9. Boil/stir constantly, for 1 minute; remove pan from heat.
10. Skim off foam.
11. Gently stir in the butter and cinnamon until combined.
12. To prevent floating fruit, let preserves cool 5 minutes before filling jars.
13. Gently stir the preserves to distribute the fruit.
14. Ladle the preservers into hot jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
15. Wipe jar rims and threads with a clean, damp cloth.
16. Cover with hot lids and apply screw rings.
17. Process half-pint jars in a 200°F water bath for 10 minutes, pint jars for 15 minutes.