Are you ready to capture the vibrant taste of summer and transform it into a sweet treat that lasts all year round? Then you're in the right place! This Sure Jell blackberry jelly recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, while delivering a homemade blackberry jelly that's far superior to anything you'll find in the store. It's the perfect project for both beginner cooks and seasoned jam-makers looking for a delicious and reliable recipe. Get ready to experience the pure, juicy goodness of homemade blackberry jelly!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups prepared blackberry juice (see instructions below)
- 7 cups sugar
- 1 package Sure-Jell liquid pectin
Instructions:
Preparing the Blackberry Juice:
- Gather your berries: Start with about 6 cups of fresh, ripe blackberries. Overripe berries work best for jelly as they’re naturally higher in pectin.
- Crush and simmer: Gently crush the blackberries in a large saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, gently mashing the berries occasionally to release their juices.
- Strain the juice: Line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the blackberry mixture through the sieve, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids. You should have approximately 4 cups of juice.
Making the Jelly:
- Combine ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the blackberry juice and Sure-Jell liquid pectin. Stir well to ensure the pectin is fully dissolved.
- Bring to a rolling boil: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring constantly. This is crucial for setting the jelly properly.
- Add sugar: Quickly stir in the sugar. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. A rolling boil means vigorous bubbling that does not stop when stirred.
- Remove from heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
- Fill jars: Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place lids and rings on the jars, and tighten to fingertip tightness.
- Process jars: Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust processing time based on your altitude; check the Sure-Jell package for specific instructions).
- Cool and check: Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. You should hear a satisfying "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!
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe berries: The riper the berries, the better the flavor and setting of your jelly.
- Sterilize jars: Properly sterilizing your jars is essential to prevent spoilage. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then boil them in water for 10 minutes before filling.
- Don't skip the boil: Achieving a full rolling boil and boiling for the exact time specified is critical for successful setting.
- Use a candy thermometer (optional): While not strictly necessary, a candy thermometer can help ensure you reach the correct boiling point.
Variations:
- Lemon Juice: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavor and aid in setting.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for a warm, spiced blackberry jelly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 100-120
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 22-27g
This recipe provides a healthy dose of antioxidants from the blackberries while offering a delicious and naturally sweet treat. Enjoy your homemade blackberry jelly on toast, biscuits, or simply by the spoonful! It's the perfect addition to your pantry and a delicious reminder of summer's bounty.