Are you ready to experience the sweet, tangy joy of homemade cherry jelly? This recipe uses Sure Jell, making the process incredibly easy, even for beginners. Forget store-bought jams—this homemade version offers a vibrant flavor and texture that will elevate your breakfasts, desserts, and more. It's a delightful addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for quick dinner ideas or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Let's dive into this delicious and simple journey of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups prepared cherry juice (from about 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries; see tip below)
- 1 box (1 ¾ ounces) Sure-Jell fruit pectin
- 7 cups sugar
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Canning jars and lids (if canning; sterilized)
- Jar lifter (optional, but helpful for canning)
Instructions:
Preparing the Cherry Juice:
- If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. Then, simmer them gently in a saucepan until they release their juices. You can use a potato masher to help release more juice.
- Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp and seeds. You should have approximately 4 cups of juice. If you have less, you can supplement with additional cherry juice or even water, but be mindful of adjusting sugar accordingly (see variations).
- If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and strain out the juice as described above.
Making the Jelly:
- Combine the cherry juice and Sure-Jell in the large saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down) over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the sugar all at once. Return to a rolling boil and boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is crucial for setting the jelly properly.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
Canning (Optional):
- Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized canning jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then seal with lids and rings.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust processing time based on your altitude – check a reliable canning resource for altitude adjustments).
- Remove from the water bath and allow to cool completely. You should hear a “pop” sound as the jars seal.
Refrigerator Storage:
If not canning, allow the jelly to cool slightly before pouring it into sterilized containers. Refrigerate and use within 3-4 weeks for optimal quality and flavour.
Tips for Success:
- Using Frozen Cherries: Frozen cherries are a convenient option and often result in a richer flavor. Ensure they are completely thawed before straining.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jelly, you can reduce the sugar by ½ cup. However, reducing the sugar too much may affect the setting.
- Testing for Doneness: The jelly is set when a small amount dropped onto a chilled plate wrinkles slightly when pushed with a finger.
Variations:
- Spicy Cherry Jelly: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the mixture during boiling for a spicy kick.
- Cherry Almond Jelly: Stir in ¼ cup of slivered almonds after removing from the heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will depend on your serving size. The nutritional information provided below is an estimate based on one serving of a standard canning jar. Nutritional data will vary depending on the brand of Sure-Jell used. For detailed and accurate nutritional information, please use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Sugar: High
- Fat: Very Low
This Sure Jell cherry jelly recipe offers a simple yet rewarding homemade cooking experience. Enjoy the delightful taste of summer, captured in a jar! It’s a truly delicious dish you can easily incorporate into your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Share your creations and feedback – we’d love to see your homemade cherry jelly masterpieces!