Honey Preserved Clementines

Get ready for some sweet goodness!  A week or so ago, when clementines were on sale at the market, I bought a couple of boxes.  We love them around here for snacks and to munch on, so,I thought since the price was so good that I'd go for it.  Well, after a couple of days...yes, maybe rethinking my decision to buy 2 boxes, I decided that I needed to figure out something to do with all this bright orange goodness. Thus, the recipe search began.  I came across this VERY SIMPLE way to make Honey Preserved Clementines.  I'd never heard of such but it sounded so good and easy with NO OFFICIAL CANNING needed.

Heavenly Day!  This stuff is wonderful!  I use it in my tea (I put one of the clementine slices along with a small teaspoon of the honey in my mug) and have drizzled it over ice cream. It's got a sweet yet very fresh taste that you just can't get enough of especially if you are a citrus lover.  I plan to add a piece of ribbon and A Southern Soul tag to each jar and give to a friend for Valentine's Day.  So, go buy a crate of clementines, some honey and get ready to make several jars of lovin'.  Your family and friends will thank you for it!

PS...tomorrow I'm going to use it on homemade pound cake...clementine slices on top and a citrus honey glaze!  I'll send you an update!!

Honey-Preserved Clementines

1 cup honey
1 cup sugar
5 whole cloves
1 whole cinnamon stick
1 1/2 pounds of clementines (5-7) cut horizontally into 1/4" inch slices
4-5 mason jars with lids - this recipe does NOT REQUIRE processed canning techniques

In a 4 quart saucepan, bring 1 cup water, honey, sugar, cloves and cinnamon to a boil over medium high heat.

Carefully slip the clementines into the liquid and do not stir.  Return to a boil and reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove pan from heat and set aside overnight, at least 8 hours and up to 17 hours.

Gently pack clementine slices into small mason jars.  Bring syrup in the saucepan to 
a boil over medium-high heat.  Boil for 3 - 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.  Pour syrup over clementine slices to cover.  Cool to room temperature.  Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 week before using.  The Clementine Honey will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.