Sure, let’s dive into the recipe for Garlic Jelly! This unique creation from lovewithrecipes.com combines the bold flavor of fresh garlic with the sweetness of jelly, resulting in a delicious spread that’s perfect for pairing with crackers, bread, or even as a glaze for meats.
Garlic Jelly
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh garlic
- 2 cups white wine vinegar
- 5 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 cups water
- 1 packet pectin
- 1/4 cup butter
- Red, yellow, or orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Garlic-Vinegar Infusion: Start by combining the fresh garlic and white wine vinegar in a 2-quart kettle. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, uncovered, over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes. This process infuses the vinegar with the essence of garlic, creating a flavorful base for the jelly.
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Let it Stand: Once the garlic-vinegar mixture has simmered, remove the kettle from the heat and pour the mixture into a 1-quart glass jar. Cover the jar and let it stand at room temperature for 24 to 36 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
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Strain and Measure: After the resting period, pour the flavored vinegar through a wire strainer into a bowl, making sure to press the garlic with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard any remaining garlic residue. Measure the liquid and add additional vinegar if needed to make 1 cup.
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Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a separate dry bowl, measure out the sugar. This will be combined with the garlic-vinegar solution later in the cooking process.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the garlic-vinegar solution to a 5 or 6-quart kettle and add the water. Stir in the packet of pectin until it is well incorporated. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
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Add Sugar: Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the measured sugar and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to return to a full, rolling boil.
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Reduce Foaming: To prevent excessive foaming, add the butter to the boiling mixture and continue stirring. The butter helps to minimize foam formation, resulting in a smoother jelly.
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Boil and Skim: Maintain the mixture at a hard boil for exactly 2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. After 2 minutes, remove the kettle from the heat and skim off any foam that may have accumulated on the surface.
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Optional Coloring: If desired, add a few drops of red, yellow, or orange food coloring to achieve the desired hue for your jelly. Stir well to evenly distribute the coloring.
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Pour and Seal: Carefully pour the hot jelly into prepared glass jars, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top. Seal the jars according to the directions provided on the pectin package, ensuring a proper seal for preservation.
Once sealed, allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. This Garlic Jelly is best enjoyed spread on toast, served alongside cheese and crackers, or used as a glaze for roasted meats. Enjoy the bold flavors and unique twist this homemade jelly adds to your favorite dishes! 🍇🍞🧀
