Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly

🍎🍯🍂 Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly 🍂🍯🍎

Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly is a delicious homemade jelly that captures the cozy flavors of autumn. It combines the sweet and tart notes of apple cider with the warm and spicy essence of cinnamon. This jelly is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for meats and vegetables. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it!

📜 History:
The origins of fruit preserves like jelly can be traced back to ancient civilizations where people used honey and sugar to preserve fruits. Apple jelly, in particular, became popular in the United States during the 19th century when apples were abundant. The addition of cinnamon, a beloved spice, likely evolved as a way to enhance the flavor of apple preserves.

🧪 Components:

• Apple Cider: You’ll need fresh apple cider, which is typically made by pressing apples to extract their juice. It should be unsweetened and free from additives.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks add the warm, spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used as a sweetener and also helps with the jelly’s consistency.
• Pectin: Pectin is a natural thickening agent that helps the jelly set. You can use commercial pectin or rely on natural pectin found in apples.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare Your Equipment: Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them or running them through a dishwasher.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together 4 cups of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon (or add cinnamon sticks).
3. Add Pectin and Sugar: Stir in pectin (follow the package instructions for the quantity) and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Boil and Skim: Boil the mixture while stirring frequently. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
5. Test for Set Point: To check if the jelly has reached the desired consistency, perform a “plate test.” Place a small amount on a cold plate, and if it wrinkles when touched, it’s ready.
6. Fill Jars: Carefully pour the hot jelly into the sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace.
7. Seal Jars: Wipe the jar rims, place lids and bands on, and tighten. Use a water bath canner to process the jars for about 10 minutes to seal them properly.
8. Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool on a clean towel or rack. Once cooled, check the seals, label the jars, and store them in a cool, dark place.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total time to prepare Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly can vary, but it typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, including preparation, cooking, and canning. The jelly should be allowed to set for at least 24 hours before consuming for the best flavor.

Enjoy the delightful taste of autumn in every spoonful of this homemade jelly! 🍁🍯🍏

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly:

Nutrition Facts (per 1 tablespoon serving):

• Calories: 49 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 12 g
• Protein: 0 g

Health Information:

• Calories: Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly is relatively low in calories, making it a reasonable choice for a sweet spread or glaze.
• Total Fat: This jelly is fat-free, which can be beneficial for those looking to limit their fat intake.
• Carbohydrates: It is primarily composed of carbohydrates, mainly from sugars. Keep in mind the sugar content if you are watching your sugar intake.
• Dietary Fiber: It has negligible dietary fiber, so it won’t contribute significantly to your fiber intake.
• Sodium: Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly is naturally low in sodium, which is good for those on a low-sodium diet.
• Protein: It contains no significant amount of protein.

Additional Tips:

• While this jelly is a tasty treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content.
• It can be a delightful way to add flavor to your breakfast or snacks, but pairing it with whole-grain toast or crackers can provide a more balanced option.
• Homemade jelly like this may contain fewer additives and preservatives compared to some commercial options.

Remember to consider your overall dietary needs and preferences when incorporating Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly into your diet. Enjoy it as an occasional treat to savor the flavors of autumn! 🍎🍯🍂