Christmas Jelly

Christmas Jelly Recipe with Apple Juice, Pectin, and Spices

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Christmas Jelly is a festive and delicious treat that is perfect for the holiday season. This sweet and spicy jelly is made with apple juice, sugar, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. It is the perfect addition to your holiday table or makes a great homemade gift for friends and family.

History

Christmas Jelly has been a popular holiday treat for many years. It is believed to have originated in the United States, where it became a staple on Christmas tables across the country. The sweet and spicy flavors of the jelly are reminiscent of traditional holiday desserts, making it a perfect addition to any holiday meal.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) of canned apple juice
5.5 cups of sugar
5 drops of red food coloring
1 package of powdered pectin
2 tsp of cinnamon
0.5 tsp of cloves
0.13 tsp of allspice
red food coloring

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine the juice, sugar, and spices. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
Boil for 2 minutes.
Add the food coloring and pectin. Bring to a rolling boil for 0.5 minute.
Use enough food coloring to make the jelly deep red.
Remove from heat and skim off any impurities.
Pour the mixture into hot sterilized decorative jars and seal with paraffin.
Label the jars with a Christmas seal and store in a dark, cool place.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the jelly for added texture and flavor.
Use different fruit juices, such as cranberry or pomegranate, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to create your own custom blend.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a large saucepan when making Christmas Jelly, as the mixture will bubble up when boiling.

- Stir the mixture constantly to ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jelly reaches the proper temperature for setting.

- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the jelly before pouring it into jars.

- Be sure to label your jars with a Christmas seal for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Jelly is delicious spread on toast, biscuits, or scones. It can also be used as a glaze for ham or turkey.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to sterilize your jars before pouring in the hot jelly to prevent spoilage.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jelly reaches the proper temperature for setting.

- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the jelly before sealing the jars.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh apple juice instead of canned if desired.

- Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for sugar in the recipe.

- Agar agar can be used in place of powdered pectin for a vegan-friendly option.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Jelly can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Be sure to label and date your jars for easy identification.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate your jars of Christmas Jelly with festive ribbons or labels for a personalized touch. - Serve the jelly in small decorative jars as part of a holiday gift basket.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas Jelly pairs well with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and breads. It also makes a great accompaniment to roasted meats or poultry.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store your jars of Christmas Jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate the jelly and use within a few weeks.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Jelly contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Jelly contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Christmas Jelly is fat-free.

Proteins

Christmas Jelly does not contain any protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Jelly is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the apple juice used in the recipe.

Alergens

Christmas Jelly may contain traces of sulfites from the apple juice.

Summary

Christmas Jelly is a sweet and spicy treat that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamin C, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to your holiday table.

Summary

Christmas Jelly is a sweet and spicy treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with apple juice, sugar, and a blend of warm spices, this jelly is a delicious addition to your holiday table or makes a great homemade gift. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a festive and flavorful jelly that will delight your friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Christmas Jelly. It was passed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Wilson, who had learned it from her own grandmother many years ago. As soon as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew that this special jelly would become a treasured addition to my holiday traditions.

Mrs. Wilson had always been a master in the kitchen, and I was lucky enough to have her teach me some of her most beloved recipes over the years. This particular recipe was one that she held close to her heart, only sharing it with those she trusted to carry on the tradition. I felt honored that she had chosen me as one of those people.

The process of making Christmas Jelly was a labor of love, requiring patience and precision. The first step was to gather fresh cranberries, which added a beautiful color and tartness to the jelly. I would spend hours carefully sorting through them, discarding any that were bruised or discolored. Next, I would combine the cranberries with sugar, water, and a touch of cinnamon in a large pot, letting them simmer until they were soft and fragrant.

As the cranberries cooked, their tart aroma filled the kitchen, reminding me of Christmases past and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Mrs. Wilson always said that food made with love tasted better, and I truly believed that to be true. I stirred the pot gently, watching as the cranberries broke down and released their juices, creating a thick, ruby-red mixture that promised to be both sweet and tangy.

Once the cranberries had cooked down, it was time to strain the mixture to remove any remaining solids. This was a delicate process, requiring a steady hand and a fine-mesh sieve. I poured the hot cranberry mixture through the sieve, pressing down with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. The resulting liquid was smooth and glossy, with a deep, rich color that spoke of the holidays.

The final step was to add the gelatin, which would help the jelly set into a firm, yet spreadable consistency. Mrs. Wilson always stressed the importance of using high-quality gelatin, as it would ensure that the jelly held its shape and didn't turn out too runny. I carefully dissolved the gelatin in hot water, then stirred it into the cranberry mixture, watching as it thickened before my eyes.

As the jelly cooled, it took on a beautiful sheen, shimmering in the light like a jewel. I poured it into small jars, sealing them tightly and setting them aside to chill in the refrigerator. The anticipation of tasting the finished product was almost too much to bear, knowing that each spoonful would be a taste of Christmas magic.

When the jelly was finally ready, I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. I spread it on warm toast, drizzled it over creamy brie, and even used it as a glaze for roasted meats. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries paired perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on the palate.

Each time I made this Christmas Jelly, I felt connected to Mrs. Wilson and the generations of women who had come before us, passing down their knowledge and recipes with love and care. I knew that as long as I continued to make this special jelly, their legacy would live on, bringing joy and delight to all who tasted it.

And so, as I stirred another pot of cranberries on the stove, I smiled to myself, grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it brought with it. Christmas Jelly had become more than just a holiday treat – it was a symbol of tradition, friendship, and the enduring power of good food made with love.