Honey Packed Peach Slices

INGREDIENTS
2.75 cups water, divided
.25 cup bottled lemon juice
5 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1.25 cups raw honey
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
6 strips of lemon zest

INSTRUCTIONS
~In a large bowl, mix .25 cup water and lemon juice. Stir fruit in gently, coating all pieces. Set aside.
~ In a small saucepan, bring honey and remaining water to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cover pan to keep contents hot.
~Pack fruit gently into six hot sterilized pint jars, leaving 1/4" headspace. Place a piece of lemon zest in each jar.
~Fill jars with honey mixture, leaving 1/4" headspace. Wipe rims, lid the jars, and process for 45 minutes in a boiling water bath.

Yield: 6 pints.