Fig Preserves Recipe

6 quarts figs
6 quarts boiling water
8 c. sugar
3 c. water

Pour boiling water over figs; let stand 15 minutes. Drain. Rinse figs in cold water. Prepare syrup by mixing sugar and water. Boil rapidly 10 minutes, then drop figs into the syrup, a few at a time. Cook rapidly until figs are transparent. Lift out and place them in shallow pans. Boil syrup down until thick, pour over figs and let stand 6 to 8 hours. Sliced lemon or sliced preserved ginger may be added during 10 minute boiling. Fill sterilized jars to within 1/2 inch of top. Pour on cap and screw band firmly tight. Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes.