Cherry Conserve

This is used as a filling for the Redwall Heroes Feast Cake from Outcast of Redwall.

Made with pie cherries, almonds, and walnuts

1 1/2 cups pitted cherries with juice
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup honey
1/2 tsp. arrowroot powder

Combine cherries and juice with the nuts and honey. Let sit for 1 hour at room temperature.

Put a small plate in the freezer.

Pour mixture into a large pot and stir in the arrowroot powder. Bring to a boil and boil over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

To test doneness, place a spoonful of the conserve on the frozen plate and let cool for 1 minute. Test for a thick, syrupy texture and taste. If it's too runny, continue to boil and try the cold plate test every few minutes.

When finished, pour the conserve into a sanitized glass jar. Place the lid on, then turn the jar upside down. Let rest for 5 minutes, then turn back over. Let the conserve cool and thicken for 10 or more hours before use.