I have been experimenting with jam/jelly. I wanted to try jelly with less sugar. First I made the lower sugar version of strawberry jam. It turned out awesome! I have nothing against sugar, but jelly does have a lot the stuff. Regular strawberry jam has 5-3/4 cups crushed strawberries, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 8-1/2 cups sugar. The lower sugar version has 6 cups crushed strawberries and 4 cups sugar. Regular grape jelly has 3-3/4 cups prepared juice and 5-1/3 cups sugar. The lower sugar has more juice, less sugar (see below.) All you need to make the lower sugar version is Sure Jell fruit pectin for less or no sugar added recipes.
Getting stuff together. Sterilized jars, sterilized rings, lids, funnel, 3-1/2 cups sugar, 1 box low-sugar pectin and lids.
After measuring out the exact amount of sugar, scoop out 1/4 cup and mix in a separate bowl with the pectin.
Pour 5-1/2 cups prepared juice into desired pot. I use a large aluminum pot. Add the pectin mixed with the 1/4 cup sugar. Turn on heat and bring to a boil that cannot be stirred away.
Once it comes to a boil that cannot be stirred away, add the rest of the sugar. Return to a boil that cannot be stirred away. Once you have reached the boil that cannot be stirred away set the timer for 1 minute and continue stirring. Remove from heat after 1 minute.
It continues to boil while you are stirring...a boil that can't be stirred away.
While you are working on all the boiling...boil a pot of water and pour over the lids (please only use new lids...some kind of canning rule.)
Carefully ladle the jelly into prepared jars, filling just to the bottom of the canning funnel.
Once your jars are filled, carefully wipe the rim with a tea towel (one that produces no lint, unless you want some lint in your jelly.) Carefully place lids, using tongs, on top of jars. Screw on rings...once again be careful! Once your lids are secured flip your jars over and set the timer for 5 minutes. Flip back over and wait for the "ping," the sound of sealing jars. Joy! I threw the potholders in to show you that you don't need pretty equipment to get the job done.
This particular recipe makes 7 cups of jelly.
Grape Jelly
- 1 pkg. no sugar needed pectin
- 5-1/2 cups prepared grape juice
- 3-1/2 cups sugar
- Canning jars...you choose what size suits you...smaller for gifts, bigger for home
The directions are pretty simple to follow in the box. I have pretty much outlined them above. Just follow exactly what they say to do and you should come out with perfect jam/jelly!
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