Spiced Pomegranate Apple Jelly Recipe
Description
This Spiced Pomegranate Apple Jelly combines the sweet tartness of apples with a hint of warm spices, all beautifully enhanced by the pink blush of grenadine syrup. It’s a delightful treat that’s as lovely to gift as it is to enjoy at home. Perfect for brunches or as a unique addition to your pantry, this jelly brings a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to your table. 🍎🌟
Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples (approximately 6-8 medium apples, unpeeled and unseeded)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups granulated sugar (additional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grenadine syrup (for the pink blush and extra sweetness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Apples: Begin by cutting each apple into 8 pieces. It’s important not to core or seed the apples as these parts contribute to the jelly’s texture and flavor. Place the apple pieces into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
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Simmer the Apples: Add the 3 cups of water, the cinnamon stick, and the cloves to the saucepan with the apples. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the apples are very tender, which should take about 35 minutes.
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Rest the Mixture: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover it and let the apple mixture sit for 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the juices to extract fully.
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Strain the Juice: Line a large sieve with three layers of damp cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the apple mixture into the sieve and allow it to drain overnight. This step is crucial for getting a clear and smooth jelly.
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Measure and Sweeten the Juice: The next day, measure the apple juice you’ve collected. For every cup of juice, you’ll need to add ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Pour the juice into a clean, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the appropriate amount of sugar and the fresh lemon juice.
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Dissolve the Sugar: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Boil and Cook: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add Grenadine: Stir in the grenadine syrup, which will give your jelly a lovely pink color and additional sweetness. Continue cooking for about 8 more minutes.
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Test the Consistency: To check if the jelly is ready, drop 1 tablespoon of the hot jelly onto a chilled saucer and place it in the freezer for about 2 minutes. Push the jelly with your finger; if it wrinkles, the jelly has set. If it’s still too runny, cook it a few minutes longer and retest.
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Skim and Jar: Once the jelly has reached the desired consistency, skim off any foam from the surface. Spoon the hot jelly into sterilized jars, making sure to wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
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Seal and Cool: Seal the jars tightly with their lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.
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Store: Once cooled, store the jars in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to 3 months.
Notes
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Sterilizing Jars: To sterilize jars, wash them in hot, soapy water and place them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can sterilize them in the dishwasher using the hot cycle.
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Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the amount of sugar or grenadine. Just remember that the sweetness level can affect the set of the jelly.
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Grenadine Substitution: If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of grenadine or use a natural fruit juice.
This Spiced Pomegranate Apple Jelly is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. Its beautiful color and spiced flavor make it a standout gift and a delicious treat for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making it as much as you enjoy the delightful results! 🍏✨
