Apple Jelly Recipe

Directions

1To start this apple jelly recipe prepare home canning jars and lids according to manufacturer’s instructions for sterilized jars. Keep jars hot until filled. Always use new lids.

2Select ripe tart apples. Sort, wash and remove stem and blossoms ends. Do not core. Chop finely. Place in large saucepan, add 5 cups of water, cover and bring to boil. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place apples into a jelly bag. Let the juice drip into a clean pan. Juice yield will be about 4 cups.

3Measure sugar into dry container and set aside.

4Place measured juice into 6 - 8-quart saucepan. Stir in Mrs. Wages® Fruit Pectin Home Jell® and 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice, if listed.

5When mixture comes to a full boil, quickly stir in premeasured sugar amount. Stirring constantly, return to a full boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down) and boil for 1 minute.

6Do not overcook pectin as it may break down and prevent gelling. Mrs. Wages® Fruit Pectin Home Jell® requires sugar. Sugar is necessary not only for flavor, it preserves and aids in gelling. It is not recommended varying from recipe.

7Remove from heat and skim off foam. Quickly ladle into hot jars. Leave 1⁄4-inch headspace at the top. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe any spilled jam or jelly from rims and threads of jars. Cover with hot lids and tighten rings firmly.

8Set hot jars on rack in canner or large saucepot of boiling water. Water must cover jars by 1 or 2 inches. Cover canner and return to boiling. Boil for 5 minutes (begin timer when water has returned to a boil). At altitudes of 1000 feet or higher, increase processing time minute for each 1000 feet of altitude. THIS STEP IS IMPORTANT.

9Remove canner from heat, remove lid and let jars sit 5 minutes in canner. Remove jars from canner, set on a clean towel or rack to cool. When cool, check seals. Lids should be down in the center or stay down when pressed. Label, date and store in a cool, dark, dry place. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within 3 weeks.