Wild Cranberry Jelly Recipe
Prepare to indulge in the delightful tanginess of homemade Wild Cranberry Jelly. This recipe, sourced from lovewithrecipes.com, is perfect for those seeking a simple yet rewarding culinary adventure. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create jars of vibrant jelly that will elevate your breakfast spreads or add a touch of homemade charm to gift baskets.
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 48 hours
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 50 hours
- Servings: Approximately 9 eight oz. jelly jars
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (1 review)
- Category: Weeknight
- Keywords: Easy, Homemade, Jelly
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups of wild cranberry juice (equivalent to 3 cups of prepared juice)
- 7 cups of sugar
- 2 pouches of “Certo” or “Fruit Jel” (pectin)
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 663.9
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 38.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 172.7g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 155.4g
- Protein: 0.1g
Instructions:
Day 1:
- Prepare Cranberries: Begin by picking the cranberries and removing their stems and leaves. Wash and drain them thoroughly.
- Set up Strainer: Prepare a large pan as a strainer by layering 2-3 pieces of cheesecloth or a clean linen dish towel. Secure it over the pan’s edges.
- Cook Cranberries: In a stockpot or large canning pot, add the cranberries and enough water to barely cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the cranberries start popping and appear translucent, about 1-2 hours.
- Strain Overnight: Pour the cooked cranberries onto the prepared strainer without disturbing them. Allow them to drain overnight.
Day 2:
- Measure Juice: Measure out 3 1/2 cups of the strained wild cranberry juice into a clean stockpot or small canning pot.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the 7 cups of sugar until well combined.
- Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Add Pectin: Once boiling, add the pouches of “Certo” or “Fruit Jel” pectin, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture back to a full boil and let it cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from Heat: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 3 minutes.
- Skim Foam: Use a skimmer or metal spoon to skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the jelly.
- Fill Jars: Quickly pour the hot jelly mixture into prepared jelly jars, leaving a small headspace at the top.
- Process Jars: If desired, process the jars according to standard canning procedures. Alternatively, pour melted paraffin wax over the top of the jelly to seal it, leaving a thin layer of wax. Cover with lids and allow them to cool on a towel.
- Test Seals: Once cooled, test each jar for a proper seal by pressing the center of the lid. If the lid doesn’t flex up and down, the seal is secure. If not, refrigerate or reprocess the jelly with a new lid.
- Optional Addition: If needed, apple juice can be added to the wild cranberry juice to adjust the volume to reach the required 3 1/2 cups.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this Wild Cranberry Jelly on toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for meats.
- Share the jars as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season or special occasions.
- Experiment with incorporating the jelly into dessert recipes or serving it alongside a cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant color and irresistible flavor, this Wild Cranberry Jelly recipe is sure to become a staple in your homemade pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the world of preserving, this recipe offers a simple yet satisfying way to capture the essence of freshly harvested cranberries. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and embark on a culinary journey that’s as rewarding as it is delicious!
