The Joy of Making Homemade Crab Apple Jelly
Crab apple jelly is a delicious and easy-to-make jelly that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you want to spread it on toast, use it as a glaze for meat, or add it to your favorite recipes, crab apple jelly is a versatile and tasty addition to any kitchen. Making your own crab apple jelly is also a great way to use up any excess crab apples you may have on hand. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make crab apple jelly with pectin in a few simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make crab apple jelly with pectin, you’ll need the following ingredients: – 4 cups of crab apples, washed and chopped – 4 cups of water – 1 package of powdered pectin – 4 cups of sugar – 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Steps to Make Crab Apple Jelly with Pectin
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start making crab apple jelly with pectin. Step 1: Cook the Crab Apples In a large pot, combine the chopped crab apples and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the mixture for 20-30 minutes until the crab apples are soft and tender. Step 2: Strain the Mixture Once the crab apples are soft, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You should have about 4 cups of liquid. Step 3: Add Pectin and Sugar In the same pot, bring the crab apple liquid to a boil. Add the powdered pectin and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Then, add the sugar and lemon juice and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Step 4: Boil the Mixture Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Step 5: Test the Mixture After the mixture has been boiling for about 1-2 minutes, test it to see if it’s ready. To do this, take a spoonful of the mixture and pour it onto a cold plate. If the mixture gels and doesn’t run, it’s ready. Step 6: Jar the Jelly Once the mixture is ready, remove it from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into clean, sterilized jars. Be sure to leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Step 7: Seal the Jars Wipe the rims of the jars clean and then place the lids on top. Screw the bands on tightly and then place the jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Step 8: Enjoy! After the jars have cooled, check to make sure they’re sealed properly. If they are, store them in a cool, dry place and enjoy your delicious homemade crab apple jelly!
Tips and Tricks
– Be sure to use only ripe crab apples for the best flavor. – You can add spices such as cinnamon or cloves to the mixture for extra flavor. – To sterilize jars, boil them in water for 10 minutes or run them through a dishwasher cycle. – If the jelly doesn’t set properly, you can re-boil it with more pectin or use it as a syrup.
Conclusion
Making crab apple jelly with pectin is a fun and easy way to use up any excess crab apples you may have. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a delicious jelly that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you’re a seasoned jelly maker or a beginner, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade crab apple jelly!