Refreshing Mint Jelly Recipe 🌿
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Yield: 4 Half pints
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Mint Jelly, a cherished recipe from “Companies Coming.” This fail-proof delicacy is a perfect accompaniment to succulent lamb dishes or a refreshing topping on a scoop of ice cream. With its vibrant green hue and tantalizing minty taste, this jelly is sure to elevate any meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1080.5
- Fat: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 23.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 274.7g
- Fiber: 14.6g
- Sugar: 253.5g
- Protein: 2.5g
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 tart apples, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh mint
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 4 cups sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by chopping 4 1/2 tart apples into chunks. Gather 1 1/2 cups of fresh mint leaves, ensuring they are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
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Cook Apple and Mint Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the chopped apples, fresh mint, and 2 cups of water. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the apples are softened and mushy, infusing the liquid with their flavors.
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Add Vinegar: Once the apples are tender, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate the vinegar into the mixture.
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Boil: Cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Strain the Mixture: Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into a jelly bag or a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Strain the mixture thoroughly to extract all the juices, leaving behind any solids.
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Measure Juice: Transfer the strained juice into a large pot, ensuring you have an accurate measurement.
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Add Sugar: For each cup of juice, add an equal amount of sugar to the pot. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved, and the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
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Check Consistency: To test if the jelly has reached the desired consistency, perform a spoon test. Dip a teaspoon into the boiling mixture, then tilt the spoon to see if the jelly forms a solid drop that runs to the center of the spoon’s side. If it does, the jelly has jelled properly.
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Add Food Coloring: If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the vibrant green color of the jelly. Stir until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Final Boil: Continue to boil the mixture for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness and sets into a jelly-like consistency.
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Sterilize Jars: While the jelly is boiling, prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Ensure they are clean and dry before filling them with the hot jelly.
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Fill Jars: Carefully ladle the hot mint jelly into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of space at the top. This headspace allows room for expansion as the jelly cools.
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Seal Jars: Once filled, seal the jars tightly with sterilized lids and rings. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
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Enjoy: Your homemade Mint Jelly is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it alongside your favorite lamb dishes or spoon it over ice cream for a refreshing treat. Enjoy the burst of minty freshness in every bite!
Tips:
- For a smoother jelly, you can strain the mixture multiple times through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
- Experiment with different varieties of mint for unique flavor profiles, such as spearmint or peppermint.
- Ensure all utensils and equipment used in the jelly-making process are clean and sterilized to prevent contamination.
- Store your jars of mint jelly in a cool, dark place for optimal freshness and flavor retention.
- Personalize your mint jelly by adjusting the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. You can also add a hint of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Now, savor the satisfaction of creating your own batch of homemade Mint Jelly, a delightful addition to any culinary repertoire! 🌱
