Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds prickly pears (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns. Cut off both ends of the prickly pears. Using a paring knife, make lengthwise cuts in the skin, then peel off the skin and scoop out the flesh.
  2. Chop the peeled prickly pear flesh into small pieces.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped prickly pears, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. (Optional) Add ground cinnamon for additional flavour.
  5. Test the jam using the plate test (spoon a small amount onto a cold plate and see if it holds).
  6. Pour hot jam into sterilized jars, seal them properly, and let them cool. Optionally, you may process them in a water bath for longer shelf life.