Easy Wild Cranberry Jelly

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:

1. Prepare Cranberries: Begin by picking the cranberries and removing their stems and leaves. Wash and drain them thoroughly.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Strain Overnight: Pour the cooked cranberries onto the prepared strainer without disturbing them. Allow them to drain overnight.

Day 2:

1. Measure Juice: Measure out 3 1/2 cups of the strained wild cranberry juice into a clean stockpot or small canning pot.
2. Add Sugar: Stir in the 7 cups of sugar until well combined.
3. Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
4. 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.
5. Remove from Heat: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 3 minutes.
6. Skim Foam: Use a skimmer or metal spoon to skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the jelly.
7. Fill Jars: Quickly pour the hot jelly mixture into prepared jelly jars, leaving a small headspace at the top.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!