Making Scuppernong and Muscadine Jelly

Even though I don't have "baking" pictures to share with you today  (I could have taken pictures of the bread that I made to go WITH the jelly)...but we ate it....before I could think. Which means I have no picture to post.  Oh, well....  Maybe I need to make some more?

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

 reduce heat, cover  and simmer for 10 minutes~


DIRECTIONS Have CHANGED!!
I won't put the old directions on...just so I don't confuse you
andyour jelly doesn't turn out
and you have to pour it on your toast
and that makes you mad.
I want you to be my friend...so just know the boxes have changed.

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)