Peach Pie Filling

Ingredients (7 quarts)

• 15 lbs peaches, peeled & sliced
• 7 C sugar
• 2 C + 3 Tbs Clear Jel
• 5¼ C water
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1¾ C lemon juice

Directions

1. In two batches of 6 cups each, blanch peach slices in 1 gallon of boiling water for 1 minute. Strain peach slices and keep them covered and warm while you prepare the filling.
2. Mix all remaining ingredients except lemon juice in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and then add the lemon juice. Return to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add in the hot blanched peach slices and stir to incorporate them.
4. Fill jars leaving 1" headspace. Make sure to remove all air bubbles!
5. Water bath for 30 minutes. Let them rest for 10 minutes, then remove and cool.