Fig preserves

Instructions

Choose some medium sized figs,not ripe and wash them well.Remove the stems ( wear disposable gloves ) ,peel the figs and leave some of their skin,soak the in a big bowl with cold water for 8 – 10 hours approximately.Put them in a pan with plenty of water and boil for 30 – 35 minutes.Remove from the pan and let them cool.Follow the same procedure 2 – 3 times.To check if they are tender enough,pierce them with a fork.Remove from the pan and let them drain for 2 hours approximately.Place them in a roasting pan lined with a towel to drain well.The next day add in a pan 5 – 6 cups of water and the sugar and boil for 8 – 10 minutes.Add the figs and boil for 15 minutes.Turn off the heat,set the pan aside and leave them overnight.Using a skimmer remove the figs from the pan and put them in a bowl.Boil the water with the sugar again until the syrup thickens ( if necessary add a little water,the syrup should cover the figs in the jars ) and then add the lemon juice,the cloves,the almonds optionally and add again the figs.Boil for 5 – 7 more minutes and let them cool.Sterilize the jars,let them cool,ladle the preserves into the jars,seal and keep them in a dark and cool place for 5 – 6 months approximately.