Instructions

1. Combine plums, apples, pears, water, lemon rind and juice in a non-reactive saucepan (I use an enamel camping one.) Bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat - cook for 10 minutes until the fruit softens.

2. Add sugar and return to boil - stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves (this burns really easily make sure you use a wood or even better - metal - spatula to scrap the bottom of the pan.)

3. Boil rapidly and uncovered (still stirring but not too vigorously) until the mixture gels. It takes about 30 minutes.

4. Pour mixture into canning jars with 1/2-inch of head space, screw on lids and water bath for 5 minutes. Let cool for 24 hours.

This recipe makes 4 half pint jars of jam.