Homemade Spiced Apple Jelly
This delightful Homemade Spiced Apple Jelly recipe is a cherished classic from The Southern Living Cookbook, perfect for novice cooks and experienced canners alike. With its sweet and subtly spiced flavor, this jelly captures the essence of autumn and is a fabulous addition to your breakfast table or a charming gift for loved ones. The process of creating this jewel-toned treat is simple, making it suitable for last-minute gifting or stocking up your pantry. Using the hot water bath canning method, it's not only a quick project but also ensures a long-lasting shelf life for your delicious jelly.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple juice
4 cups (freshly squeezed or store-bought, sweetened or unsweetened)
Dry pectin
1 (1 3/4 ounce) package (standard fruit pectin)
Sugar
5 cups (granulated white sugar)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, combine 4 cups of apple juice and the entire package of dry pectin. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2
Once boiling, gradually add 5 cups of sugar to the pot. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved, and then bring the mixture back to a full, rolling boil.
3
Let the mixture boil vigorously for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly to maintain an even consistency.
4
After boiling, remove the pot from heat. Using a metal spoon, skim off any foam that has formed on the surface to ensure your jelly is clear.
5
Prepare your hot sterilized jars by quickly pouring the hot jelly into them, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
6
Immediately cover the jars with prepared metal lids and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
7
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to seal them properly and ensure safety.
8
Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack. Once cool, ensure that the lids have sealed properly by pressing down in the center of each lid; it should not spring back.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Spiced Apple Jelly?
It is a sweet and subtly spiced jelly that captures the essence of autumn, often described as a jewel-toned treat.
Where does this specific recipe come from?
This recipe is a cherished classic sourced from The Southern Living Cookbook.
How many ingredients are needed for this jelly?
There are only three main ingredients required: apple juice, dry pectin, and sugar.
What type of apple juice should I use?
You can use either freshly squeezed or store-bought apple juice, and it can be sweetened or unsweetened.
What kind of pectin is needed?
The recipe calls for one 1.75-ounce package of standard dry fruit pectin.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 cups of granulated white sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the simple process makes it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced canners.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine 4 cups of apple juice and the dry pectin in a large Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking?
Stir the mixture well and occasionally while bringing it to a boil over medium heat.
When should I add the sugar?
Add the sugar gradually once the juice and pectin mixture has reached its initial boil.
How long should the mixture boil after adding sugar?
The mixture should be brought back to a full, rolling boil and held there for exactly 1 minute.
Why is it important to stir constantly during the rolling boil?
Stirring constantly ensures the mixture maintains an even consistency and prevents burning.
How do I make the jelly look clear?
Using a metal spoon, skim off any foam that has formed on the surface after removing the pot from the heat.
What kind of jars should be used?
You should use hot sterilized jars to ensure the safety and longevity of the jelly.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Why must the jar rims be wiped?
Wiping the rims with a clean cloth removes residue that could prevent the metal lids from sealing properly.
How tight should the jar bands be?
Screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
How long do the jars need to stay in the water bath?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Where should the jars cool?
Let the jars cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or a cooling rack.
How do I check if the jars are sealed?
Press down in the center of the lid; if it does not spring back, the jar is properly sealed.
Can I use this jelly as a gift?
Yes, its jewel-toned color and classic flavor make it a charming gift for loved ones.
What is the benefit of the hot water bath canning method?
This method seals the jars properly and ensures a long-lasting shelf life.
What equipment is recommended for boiling the juice?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for combining and boiling the ingredients.
Is this a good last-minute recipe?
Yes, the quick processing time makes it suitable for last-minute gifting.
What does 'rolling boil' mean?
A rolling boil is a vigorous boil that cannot be stirred down.
What color is the finished jelly?
The finished jelly should have a clear, jewel-toned appearance.
What flavor profile does this jelly have?
It has a sweet and subtly spiced flavor profile that captures the essence of fall.
What should I do if the lid springs back after cooling?
If the lid springs back, the jar is not sealed and should be refrigerated and consumed immediately.
Can I use granulated white sugar?
Yes, granulated white sugar is the specific preparation recommended for this recipe.
How long does it take to process the jars?
The actual water bath processing time is 5 minutes.