Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in making quince jelly is gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 6-8 quinces
- 4 cups of water
- 4 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 lemon
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before moving on to the next steps.
Preparing the Quinces
Begin by washing the quinces thoroughly under cold water. Then, peel and core each quince, reserving the peels and cores in a bowl. Cut the cleaned quinces into small chunks, removing any bruised or damaged parts.
Making Quince Juice
In a large pot, combine the quince peels, cores, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will extract the flavorful quince juice from the peels and cores. Once done, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, collecting the liquid in a separate container. Set the quince juice aside.
Cooking the Quince Jelly
Now, take a clean pot and pour the strained quince juice along with the sugar. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot, stirring everything together. Place the pot on medium-low heat and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 40-50 minutes, or until the jelly reaches the desired thickness and consistency.
Testing for Doneness
To check if the jelly is done, place a small amount on a chilled plate and tilt it. If the jelly wrinkles and doesn’t run, it has reached the desired consistency. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and repeat the test until it reaches the desired texture.
Hot Water Bath Canning
Given that you’ve reached your desired consistency, it’s time to can the quince jelly. Sterilize the canning jars by placing them in a pot of hot, simmering water for a few minutes. Once sterilized, carefully fill the jars with hot jelly leaving a ¼ inch of headspace. Seal the jars tightly and place them back into the pot of hot water. Allow them to process for 10-15 minutes before removing and cooling on a kitchen towel.
Enjoying Your Homemade Quince Jelly
After the jars have cooled, check the seals to ensure they are airtight. Store your homemade quince jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy your delightful quince jelly on toast, biscuits, or as a delightful topping on pancakes. Its sweet and tart taste will surely impress your taste buds!
There you have it! A simple and satisfying recipe for making your own quince jelly. Add a touch of homemade goodness to your pantry with this delicious apple delicacy. Have fun making your own and enjoy the rewards of your efforts!