Elderflower Jellies with Fresh Raspberries from www.womanandhome.com
Introduction
Jelly is one of the most versatile and delicious treats you can make at home. It can be enjoyed on toast, in sandwiches, or even as a topping for ice cream. The best part about making jelly at home is that you can customize the flavor to your liking. In this article, we will be sharing a simple recipe for making homemade jelly.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:
4 cups of fresh fruit juice (or 4 cups of water and a packet of flavored gelatin)
4 cups of sugar
1 package of pectin
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Juice
To make the fruit juice, wash and chop the fruit into small pieces. Add the fruit to a blender and blend until it becomes a smooth puree. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any seeds or pulp. Measure out 4 cups of the strained juice and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the fruit juice, sugar, and pectin. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Cook the Jelly
Reduce the heat to medium-high and continue to cook the jelly for 10-15 minutes. The jelly will begin to thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Be sure to stir the jelly frequently to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Test the Jelly
To test if the jelly is ready, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. The jelly should reach a temperature of 220°F (104°C). Alternatively, you can do a “sheet test” by dipping a metal spoon into the jelly and lifting it out. If the jelly drips off in sheets instead of drops, it's ready.
Step 5: Can the Jelly
Once the jelly is ready, remove it from the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface. Ladle the hot jelly into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth and seal with lids and rings.
Step 6: Store the Jelly
Place the jars in a hot water bath and process for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Check to make sure the lids have sealed properly by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid pops up and down, the jar hasn’t sealed properly and should be refrigerated and used within a week. Store the properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional information for a 1-ounce serving of homemade jelly:
Calories: 70
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 0g
Conclusion
Making homemade jelly is a fun and easy way to enjoy a delicious treat. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful and versatile jelly that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. So, give it a try and see how easy it can be!
