The charm of homemade jellies often reminds us of sweet childhood memories, and the elderberry apple jelly recipe we will delve into today is no exception. It’s like the pleasant days of summer, captured inside a jar. This heavenly blend of elderberries and apples, crammed with vitamins and antioxidants, brings not only the memories of summer but also ample health benefits onto your breakfast table. So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
For this celestial meeting of elderberry and apples in a jar, we’ll need:
- 3 pounds of elderberries
- 2 large, juicy apples
- 4.5 cups white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 sachet of pectin to ensure a perfect jelly wobble
Instructions
1. Begin by washing the elderberries and apples thoroughly. This ensures our fruits are clean, and we keep the vitamins intact.
2. Extract the juice from the elderberries. Meanwhile, chop the apples without peeling them. The peel is where the pectin resides, and it’s crucial for the jelly’s consistency.
3. Combine the elderberry juice and apples in a large pan. Heat them until they begin to soften, stirring frequently.
4. Sweeten this pulpy mix with sugar. Pour in lemon juice, then sprinkle the pectin. These ingredients will bring out the delightful flavors of our fruits.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about an hour. During this time, the apple-elderberry magic truly starts to form!
6. Pour the simmering mixture into sterilized jars, ensuring a generous spoonful of health benefits in each.
7. Seal, cool, and store away from direct sunlight.
Cooking Time & Servings
From the complete prep to the closing steps, this elderberry apple jelly recipe will gently whittle away about 2 hours of your time. However, it yields approximately 15 delightful jars full of gooey goodness that you will treasure.
Nutritional Information
The blend of elderberries and apples makes this jelly a powerhouse of nutrition. With immunity-boosting antioxidants from elderberries and a decent amount of Vitamin C from apples, it’s a killer combo for your wellness regime.
Approximate nutritional value per serving (2 tablespoon):
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Tips and Tricks
A few tips on the journey to jelly perfection:
– Treat this recipe as more of a guideline rather than a rigid rulebook. Feel free to reduce the sugar according to your preference.
– If you prefer a tangier version, you can increase the concentration of lemons.
– For a vegan option, swap normal sugar with coconut sugar.
Ending on a Savory Note…
Beyond just a spread for your breakfast toast, this elderberry apple jelly recipe represents the power of simple fruits transformed into a healthful, vibrant delicacy. So, go forth and spread some wellness and flavor with your loved ones today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen elderberries for this jelly?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen elderberries. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce it according to taste. But remember, it’s important for preservation, so don’t eliminate it completely!
Q: How long will this elderberry apple jelly last?
If properly sealed and stored, it should last unopened for about a year. Once opened, store it in the fridge and consume within a month.
Q: Can I use a sweetener instead of sugar?
Sure! You can replace sugar with sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. The jelly may be looser, but it’ll still taste great!
Q: Can I skip the apples in this recipe?
Of course, but remember, apples provide the pectin that helps set the jelly. If you skip them, you may need to adjust the amount of commercial pectin used.
So, venture into the world of homemade jellies with this elderberry apple jelly recipe – it’s the perfect blend of taste, tradition, and health benefits!
