Making grape jelly is easy, and you can do it in your home kitchen without any special equipment. Here is a guide on how to prepare grape jelly.
Ingredients:
To make grape jelly, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 pounds of grapes
– 4 cups of sugar
– 1 packet of pectin
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Remove the grapes from the stalks. Rinse the grapes in cold water, removing any debris or dirt that may be present.
2. Place the grapes in a pot with 2 cups of water. Heat the pot until it reaches a boil then reduce the heat and let the grapes simmer for 10 minutes. Continue stirring the grapes until they have become soft and mushy.
3. Pour the grape mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or skins. You can use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to help push the grape mixture through the strainer. Continue doing this until all the juice has been strained, leaving you with a smooth grape juice mixture.
4. Return the grape juice mixture to the pot and place it on medium heat. Add the pectin and stir for 1-2 minutes until the pectin has dissolved.
5. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the grape juice mixture and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and bring the grape mixture to a rolling boil. At this point, you should see the mixture start to thicken.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. You can skim off any foam or bubbles that may have formed on the surface of the grape jelly mixture. The foam does not affect the quality of the jelly, but it can be removed to give your jelly a smooth and even texture.
7. Pour the grape jelly mixture into sterilized canning jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Cover the jars with lids and place them in a boiling water canner.
8. Process the jars of grape jelly in the boiling water canner for 10 minutes, ensuring they are covered in boiling water. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool to room temperature.
9. Once the jars are cool, check the seals to ensure they are airtight. You can do this by pressing down the center of the lid. If it pops back, the seal is not airtight, and you will need to reprocess the jar or store it in the fridge.
In conclusion, making grape jelly is not only easy but also cost-effective. You can make use of any excess grape you have and have a delicious homemade condiment for your everyday meals. Remember to clean all your utensils and equipment to avoid contamination and ensure that your grape jelly turns out perfect. Happy prepping!