Cranberry jelly

Cranberry Jelly Recipe from USA with Cranberries, Apple Juice, and Lemon Juice

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 7

Introduction

Cranberry jelly is a classic condiment that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It adds a tangy and sweet flavor to your meal and pairs well with turkey or ham. This recipe is easy to make and can be stored for later use.

History

Cranberry jelly has been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. Native Americans used cranberries for food, medicine, and dyes. The first recorded recipe for cranberry sauce appeared in 1796 in Amelia Simmons' cookbook, "American Cookery." Since then, cranberry jelly has become a popular accompaniment to holiday meals.

Ingredients

2 cups cranberries
1 cup concentrated apple juice
0.25 cup lemon juice
3 oz (85 g) liquid pectin (regular)
5 tbsp glycerine
1 tbsp unflavored gelatin or 2 tbsp freezer

How to prepare

Wash and pick over cranberries, discarding any that are soft.
Place the cranberries in a deep saucepan and add the fruit juices.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the fruit is soft.
Mash the cranberries to break up any berries left whole.
Strain the mixture in a food mill to remove the seeds.
Return the strained mixture to the saucepan and heat it to boiling.
Add the pectin, glycerine, and gelatin, stirring well.
Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Skim off any foam and pour the mixture into hot, sterile pint jars, leaving 0.5 inch of space at the top.
Cap the jars with hot, sterile lids.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes after the water returns to boiling.
If any jars fail to seal, refrigerate and use within 10 days or freeze for later use.
This recipe makes 3.5 cups of jelly.
Variation: You can substitute 0.5 cup of low-methoxy pectin solution and 2.5 tsp of calcium solution for the liquid pectin and glycerine, but add the calcium after removing from heat.
If you plan to freeze the jelly, be sure to use the full amount of gelatin.
Nutritional value: 1 tbsp of jelly contains 20 calories (protein 0 g, fat 0 g, carbohydrate 5 g).
1.5 tbsp of jelly is equivalent to 0.5 diabetic fruit exchange or 0.5 bread exchange.
If salt is omitted, 1.5 tsp of jelly contains less than 1 mg of sodium.
This recipe contains 0 cholesterol.
0.5 tsp of jelly can be used without diabetic replacement.
Use the full amount of gelatin for a very firm jam or for freezing.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to strain the cranberry mixture to remove any seeds for a smooth jelly.

- Skim off any foam that forms on the top of the jelly before pouring it into jars.

- Make sure to leave some space at the top of the jars when filling them to allow for expansion during processing.

- Process the jars in a boiling water bath to ensure they are properly sealed and safe for storage.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry jelly is perfect for serving alongside roasted turkey, ham, or even as a spread on toast or biscuits.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful cranberry jelly is to simmer the cranberries until they are soft and then strain the mixture to remove any seeds. Boiling the mixture with pectin and gelatin helps to thicken the jelly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have liquid pectin, you can use powdered pectin instead. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for the glycerine.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry jelly can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cranberry jelly in a decorative jar or bowl to add a festive touch to your holiday table.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry jelly pairs well with roasted meats, cheese platters, and even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cranberry jelly in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave or place the jar in a pot of hot water until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each tablespoon of cranberry jelly contains approximately 20 calories.

Carbohydrates

Cranberry jelly is a low-calorie food that is high in carbohydrates. Each tablespoon of jelly contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Cranberry jelly is a fat-free food, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

Cranberry jelly does not contain any protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.

Alergens

Cranberry jelly does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Cranberry jelly is a low-calorie, fat-free condiment that is high in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it a healthy addition to your holiday meal.

Summary

Cranberry jelly is a classic holiday condiment that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. It is a healthy option that is low in calories and fat, making it a great addition to your holiday meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for cranberry jelly. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins pick apples from her orchard. As a thank you for my help, she invited me inside for a warm cup of tea and a slice of her delicious homemade apple pie.

As we sat at her kitchen table, Mrs. Jenkins began to tell me about a recipe she had recently discovered for cranberry jelly. She described how the tartness of the cranberries combined with the sweetness of sugar created the perfect balance of flavors. I was intrigued and asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled and nodded, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a yellowed piece of paper covered in handwritten notes. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As she read through the instructions, I could tell that this recipe held a special place in her heart.

I listened intently as Mrs. Jenkins explained the process of boiling the cranberries until they burst, then straining the mixture through a sieve to create a smooth jelly. She emphasized the importance of using fresh cranberries and not skimping on the sugar, as the sweetness was essential to balancing out the tartness of the fruit.

After Mrs. Jenkins finished reciting the recipe, she handed me the piece of paper and told me to give it a try. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the cranberry jelly for my family's Thanksgiving dinner.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and following Mrs. Jenkins' instructions. The scent of simmering cranberries filled the air, and I could already imagine the rich, ruby-red jelly that would soon be cooling in my refrigerator.

As I strained the mixture through a sieve, I marveled at the deep color and velvety texture of the cranberry jelly. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection, just as it had been in Mrs. Jenkins' family for generations.

On Thanksgiving day, I proudly presented the cranberry jelly to my family, who oohed and aahed at the vibrant color and sweet aroma. With each bite, they exclaimed over the perfect balance of flavors, just as Mrs. Jenkins had described.

From that moment on, cranberry jelly became a beloved tradition at our holiday meals. I made sure to pass the recipe down to my own children, who now make it for their families as well. It has become a symbol of love and tradition, connecting us to the generations that came before us.

As I look back on that chilly autumn day when Mrs. Jenkins first shared the recipe with me, I am filled with gratitude for the generosity and wisdom she imparted. The simple act of sharing a recipe has created a bond that transcends time and space, connecting me to a lineage of cooks and food lovers who have cherished this cranberry jelly for years.

I am proud to carry on the tradition and share the recipe with others, knowing that the delicious taste of cranberry jelly will continue to bring joy and warmth to countless tables for years to come.