Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a delightful recipe for making lemon drop jelly. This recipe is simple, requiring only four ingredients: lemon juice, sugar, Sure Gel, and water. The end result is a tangy and delicious jelly that is perfect for spreading on biscuits or toast. Let’s dive into the process of making this homemade lemon drop jelly and discover how easy and rewarding it can be.
Getting Fresh Lemon Juice
To start off, you’ll need two cups of fresh lemon juice for this recipe. Simply juice about 8-9 lemons until you reach the desired amount. Strain the lemon juice to remove any pulp using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
Preparing the Jars
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and place your mason jelly jars inside to sterilize them. The recipe may yield around 7 jars, so it’s good to have an extra jar on hand.
Cooking the Jelly
In a pot, combine the lemon juice, water, and Sure Gel. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Add sugar and continue boiling for another minute. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up, so adjust the heat if needed.
Filling the Jars
Carefully remove the hot jars from the oven and fill them with the hot jelly mixture using a canning funnel. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the rings tightly. Invert the jars for five minutes to ensure a proper seal.
Sealing and Cooling
After the jars have been inverted for five minutes, turn them upright and let them cool. You will hear the lids pop as they seal, indicating a successful canning process.
Enjoying the Jelly
The next day, check that all the jars are properly sealed. The jelly should have a lovely yellow color and a taste reminiscent of lemon drops. Spread this delicious homemade jelly on your favorite bread or enjoy it as a sweet treat.
Questions:
1. How many lemons are recommended for juicing in the lemon drop jelly recipe?
– It is suggested to juice about 8-9 lemons to yield two cups of fresh lemon juice.
2. Why is it important to sterilize the mason jelly jars before filling them with the jelly mixture?
– Sterilizing the jars helps ensure the preservation and safety of the jelly by minimizing the risk of contamination.
3. What role does Sure Gel play in the jelly-making process, and why is it recommended to use the original version?
– Sure Gel helps the jelly set correctly. It is advised to use the original Sure Gel over the low-sugar version as it does not contain additional chemicals.
4. How can you tell if the jars are properly sealed after the canning process?
– You will hear a popping sound as the lids seal, indicating a successful canning process.
5. What does the homemade lemon drop jelly taste like, and what childhood treat does it remind the creator of?
– The jelly tastes like lemon drops and brings back memories of enjoying lemon drops from a box during childhood.