Are you ready to transform the tart sweetness of elderberries into a delectable homemade jelly? This recipe uses pectin for a quick and easy method, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Imagine spreading this vibrant, flavorful jelly on your morning toast, or using it as a unique addition to your cheese board – pure homemade deliciousness! Let's dive in and create a batch of this stunning, healthy, and incredibly tasty elderberry jelly.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups elderberries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups water
- 7 cups sugar
- 1 pouch liquid pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1/4 teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foaming)
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jelly jars and lids (sterilized)
- Ladle
- Jar lifter (optional but helpful)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Elderberries
Rinse the elderberries thoroughly under cold water. If using fresh berries, remove any stems or leaves. Frozen berries can be used directly, but allow them to thaw slightly before proceeding.
Step 2: Cook the Elderberries
Combine the elderberries and water in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the berries are completely softened.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the berry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth set over a large bowl. Press the solids to extract as much juice as possible. You should have approximately 4 cups of elderberry juice. Discard the pulp.
Step 4: Make the Jelly
Return the elderberry juice to the saucepan. Stir in the liquid pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down (this is crucial for setting).
Step 5: Add Sugar and Boil
Quickly stir in the sugar. Continue to boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. If you want to reduce foaming add the butter at this stage.
Step 6: Remove from Heat and Skim
Remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam from the surface of the jelly.
Step 7: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them to fingertip tightness.
Step 8: Process the Jars (optional)
For longer shelf life, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step isn't essential if you plan to consume the jelly within a few weeks and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the jars to cool completely. You should hear a "pop" sound as the jars seal. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex, it’s sealed properly.
Tips for the Best Elderberry Jelly:
- Use ripe, high-quality elderberries for the best flavor.
- Sterilizing your jars and lids is essential for preventing mold and spoilage.
- Don't skip the one-minute boil after adding the sugar; this is key to setting the jelly.
- If your jelly is too thin after processing, you may not have boiled it long enough.
Variations:
- Spicy Elderberry Jelly: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the boiling juice before adding the sugar for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Elderberry Jelly: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to enhance the tartness and add a citrusy aroma.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact amount of jelly per serving. Consider that elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Check a nutrition calculator for a more precise measure based on your recipe yield.
This easy elderberry jelly recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the unique taste of elderberries. The process is straightforward and rewarding, leaving you with a jar of homemade goodness you’ll be proud of. Perfect for gifts or to savor yourself, this recipe is a fantastic addition to any homemade food enthusiast’s repertoire.