Select fruit which is perfectly ripe and sound, but not very much softened. Freestone peaches are the best. Put a few at a time in a wire basket, and dip into boiling water for a moment, and then into cold water, to cool the fruit sufficiently to handle with comfort. The skins may then be rubbed or peeled off easily, if done quickly, and the fruit divided into halves; or wipe with a clean cloth to remove all dirt and the wool, and with a silver knife cut in halves, remove the stone, and then pare each piece, dropping it into cold water at once, to prevent discoloration Peaches cut before being pared are less likely to break in pieces while removing the stones. When ready, pour a cupful of water in the bottom of the kettle, and fill with peaches, scattering sugar among the layers, in the proportion of a heaping tablespoonful to a quart of fruit. Heat slowly, boil fifteen minutes or longer till a silver fork can be easily passed through the pieces. Can in the usual way, and seal; or fill the cans with the halved peaches, and place them in a boiler of warm water with something underneath to avoid breaking; cook until perfectly tender. Have ready a boiling sirup prepared with one-half cup of sugar and two cups of water, and pour into each can all that it will hold, remove air bubbles, cover, and seal. A few of the pits may be cooked in the sirup, and removed before adding to the fruit, when their special flavor is desired.

Another Method

After paring and halving the fruit, lay a clean napkin in the bottom of a steamer; fill with the fruit. Steam until a fork will easily penetrate the pieces. Have ready a boiling sirup prepared as directed above, put a few spoonfuls in the bottom of the hot cans, and dip each piece of fruit gently in the hot sirup; then as carefully place it in the jar. Fill with the sirup, and finish in the usual way.

Peaches canned without sugar, retain more nearly their natural flavor. To prepare in this way, allow one-half pint of water to each pound of fruit. Cook slowly until tender, and can in the usual manner. When wanted for the table, open an hour before needed, and sprinkle lightly with sugar.