KUMQUAT PRESERVES

Makes about 24 half-pint jars or 12 pint jars 

32 cups (2 gallons) kumquats 

10 to 12 cups sugar 

4 cups water 

Juice of 1 lemon 

1 thinly sliced lemon or lime 

Wash kumquats. Quarter kumquats by cutting in half crosswise (to cut seeds) and then lengthwise. 

In a (very) large pot, dissolve sugar in water and then add quartered kumquats, lemon juice and lemon or lime slices. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 11/2 to 2 hours, stirring frequently. 

Using a canning funnel, pour kumquat mixture into sterile half-pint or pint jars. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 to 15 minutes.