Sweet Jelly Recipe
Making sweet jelly at home is a fun and rewarding process that results in a delicious treat you can enjoy on toast, with desserts, or even on its own. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade sweet jelly:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fruit juice (such as grape, apple, or berry)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Jars:
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until ready to use.
Combine the Juices and Pectin:
- In a large pot, combine the fruit juice and lemon juice. Gradually stir in the powdered pectin, making sure it's completely dissolved.
Boil the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is one that doesn't stop bubbling even when stirred.
Add the Sugar:
- Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, quickly stir in the granulated sugar. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Check for Doneness:
- To test if the jelly is done, use the spoon test. Dip a cold metal spoon into the jelly. If it forms a gel-like consistency and drops off the spoon in sheets, it's ready. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
Skim and Fill the Jars:
- Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
- Ladle the hot jelly into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and place the lids on top. Screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
Process the Jars:
- Place the filled jars in a boiling water canner, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 5 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack. You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal. Check the seals after 24 hours; the lids should not flex up and down when pressed.
Store and Enjoy:
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
- Enjoy your homemade sweet jelly on toast, biscuits, or as a sweet addition to various dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- Flavor Variations: Use different types of fruit juice to create a variety of jelly flavors. Mixed berry, apple-cinnamon, and grape are popular options.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use low-sugar pectin and adjust the sugar content according to the package instructions for a lower-sugar jelly.
- Herb-Infused Jelly: Add herbs like mint or basil during the boiling process for a unique twist on traditional jelly.
Enjoy making and savoring your homemade sweet jelly!
