Recipe to Make Perfect Candied Figs, Apricots, or Pear Tomatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1

   In large a bowl, combine 4 quarts water and baking soda.

2. Step 2

   Add fruit of choice and soak for 10 minutes. Drain.

3. Step 3

   In a large saucepan, combine sugar and 2 cups water and bring syrup to a boil

4. Step 4

   Once boiling, add soaked fruit and simmer 20 minutes.

5. Step 5

   After 20 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. Leave covered overnight. 

6. Step 6

   The next day, simmer mixture an additional 20 minutes and allow to cool. Repeat this process each day until syrup is completely absorbed. A sugar syrup may crystallize, which is fine. You can add a little more water when reheating to thin it out if needed. 

7. Step 7

   When the syrup is absorbed, dry fruit on waxed paper on trays in the sun, then dredge fruit with sugar and store in an airtight container. Source: GRIT Magazine Cookbook - out of print, reprinted with permission. Though the GRIT Magazine cookbook is currently out of print, you can still find used copies floating around the internet. The spiral-bound cookbook contains recipes first published in GRIT magazine from 1970 to 1990, with plenty of old favorites to re-discover.