Delicious Homemade Fruit Cocktail: Easy and Satisfying

Hello, fellow preppers! Prepper Pam here, and today I'm excited to share my homemade fruit cocktail recipe. Using a variety of fruits and a simple syrup, this delicious treat is easy to make and perfect for storing. Let's dive into the process so you can create your own beautiful and tasty fruit cocktail at home.

Ingredients for Simple Syrup
14 cups of water
6 cups of sugar
Fruits Used
Peaches
Two types of pears
Grapes
Maraschino cherries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Simple Syrup:

In a large pot, combine 14 cups of water with 6 cups of sugar.
Heat the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a sweet simple syrup to preserve the fruit.
Prepare the Fruit:

Cut the peaches and pears into chunky pieces.
Leave the grapes whole for a burst of juiciness.
Add maraschino cherries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Combine Fruits and Syrup:

Place all the cut fruits into a large stockpot.
Pour the heated simple syrup over the fruits.
Gently heat the mixture until it’s thoroughly warmed and the fruits are well-coated with the syrup. Avoid boiling.

Jarring the Fruit Cocktail:

Carefully ladle the warm fruit cocktail into clean, sterilized quart jars.
Make sure to evenly distribute the syrup among the jars, covering the fruit completely.
Water Bath Canning:

Place the filled jars into a canner.
Process the jars in a hot water bath for 25 minutes to ensure they are sealed and preserved.
Cooling and Sealing:

Once processed, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool.
Listen for the satisfying “ping” sound indicating the jars are properly sealed.
Tips and Tricks
Chunky Fruit: Cutting the fruit into larger pieces gives the cocktail a hearty texture.
Grape Integrity: Leaving the grapes whole adds a burst of flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy.

No Boiling Needed: Gently heating the mixture helps preserve the texture of the fruit without overcooking it.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own fruit cocktail is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer fruits, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's in your preserved goods. This batch turned out beautifully, and I'm very proud of the results.

Always be prepared, and happy canning!