Are you looking for a simple yet elegant homemade treat that captures the essence of autumn? Look no further! This apple juice jelly recipe is the perfect way to preserve the sweet taste of fall and impress your friends and family. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a delightful, refreshing alternative to traditional jams. Perfect for adding a touch of homemade charm to your breakfast table or as a sweet accompaniment to cheese and crackers, this recipe is a must-try for both novice and experienced cooks. Let's dive into this delicious and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups unsweetened apple juice (preferably a variety with a strong apple flavour)
- 1 box (3 oz) powdered pectin
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Sterilize your jars and lids. This is crucial for preserving your jelly and preventing spoilage. Wash them thoroughly in hot, soapy water, then rinse and place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Keep them in the hot water until you're ready to fill them.
Making the Jelly:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the apple juice and powdered pectin. Whisk vigorously to ensure the pectin is fully dissolved; this prevents lumps in your final product.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is essential for proper setting.
- Once boiling, stir in the sugar all at once. Continue stirring constantly and vigorously to fully dissolve the sugar. This is important to avoid crystallization.
- Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil, and boil hard for exactly one minute, again stirring constantly. Timing is key here! Set a timer.
- Remove the pan from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
Jarring and Setting:
- Quickly and carefully ladle the hot jelly into the sterilized jars, leaving about ΒΌ inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. This prevents contamination and ensures a proper seal.
- Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them to fingertip tightness (don't over-tighten).
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Ensure the water completely covers the jars.
- Remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely on a towel. You should hear a "pop" sound as the jars seal.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality apple juice: The flavor of your jelly will directly reflect the quality of the juice you use.
- Stir constantly: This prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Accurate measurements: Using a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients will ensure the best results.
- Proper sterilization: This step is vital for preventing spoilage.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Jelly: Add 1 cinnamon stick and a few cloves to the boiling mixture for a warm, spiced flavour. Remove the spices before jarring.
- Cranberry Apple Jelly: Combine apple juice with cranberry juice for a tart and festive twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific apple juice used, but a typical serving of apple jelly will contain approximately:
- Calories: 100-120
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 23-28g
This apple juice jelly recipe is a fantastic addition to your pantry. It's a delicious and healthy treat that showcases the best of the autumn harvest. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness!