Now, I'm getting off track...back to jelly. Where do you begin?
Scuppernongs!Bronze colored ... a few Muscadines (purple)
Find a REALLY good friend
who planted scuppernongs
and wants to share
and go pick some
like these
or
you could plant your own???
rinse
take out leaves and stems
place in large pot and just barely cover the grapes with cool water
bring to a boil and continue boiling until they are somewhat tender
this is a good time to go fold clothes
or load the dishwasher
or just stare at the pot
take out any daily frustrations with a masher
and just keep breathing in that AWESOME aroma!!!
cool and then drain in large colander
not too pretty
place in cheesecloth and SQUEEZE
REALLY not pretty
strain juice in a fine strainer at least twice
to remove any seed escapees or skins and pulp
place some type of ascorbic acid like Fruit Fresh to keep the color
(especially if you stop here and are going to make juice to drink or to freeze for jelly making later
have everything ready...this next part goes pretty fast
You will need cleaned, sterilized jars, lids, rings, jar funnel, lifter, sugar, Sure Jell, measuring cup, spoon and dipper
measure juice and pour in 'Sure Jell' or like product according to package directions for cooked jellies (I followed Concord grapes)
heat to boiling, stir often
heat lids and keep warm
(yes, these are not your typical lids)
I feel the need to explain...
I buy jars of mixed fruit that come in these CUTE little jars
The fruit gets eaten
The jars get cleaned
And I get to use them again
OKay! Confession time. I REALLY use these jars to put my curd in to freeze...cause they are SOoO cute...I forgot to get new lids for my jelly jars.
NOW, that felt better. These lids have the rubber type rings inside...see?
And they will seal...but if you do this, check and make sure they seal!
When juice comes to a boil add the pre-measured sugar all at once, stirring constantly and bring back to boil
Well, suffice it to say, I don't know where these "new" boxes of Sure-Jell went; but every box since then has been like the ones I've always used in the past. Makes me want to go to the land fill and pull out those boxes just to make sure I am not going insANE....pROMISE....i AM ABsolutely normal!
At any rate
This is a lesson
ALWAYS READ the Directions on the box
for times and amounts!
But I really did like the "new" one.
And if I ever find it again, I will let you know!
I will tell you that the "old" type says cook one minute and FOR ME that is never enough...It has to jell slightly when dripping off the spoon.
SIGH...Ok I've been meaning to edit this and NOW it's done.
I hope I have not led too many astray.
Now back to directions.....
remove from heat, ladle into jars, add lids (or lids and rings)
use firm-tight, but don't exert extreme pressure
leave to cool undisturbed until the lids make a popping noise and seal.
phew! I think it took longer to post than to actually make...
JELLY!
(I just love the color the muscadines added to the normally champagne color of scuppernong jelly)
