When the days turn crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade spiced apple jelly wafting through your cozy kitchen. This recipe for Spiced Apple Jelly is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season in a tangy, sweet spread that pairs perfectly with warm toast, crackers, or even as a glaze for roasts. The best part? This recipe requires no added pectin, making it an easy and rewarding project for beginners and seasoned jelly-makers alike.
Spiced Apple Jelly Recipe With No Added Pectin
**Ingredients:**
– 4 lbs apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
– 4 cups water
– 3 cups granulated sugar
– 1 lemon
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 4 whole cloves
– Cheesecloth or muslin cloth
– Kitchen twine
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by washing, coring, and cutting the apples into chunks, leaving the skins on for extra flavor and natural pectin. Place the apple pieces in a large pot along with the water.
2. Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the apples in the pot. Drop the lemon halves into the pot as well.
3. Tie the cinnamon sticks and cloves in a piece of cheesecloth or muslin cloth and secure with kitchen twine to make a spice bag.
4. Bring the apple mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the spice bag to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for about 30 minutes or until the apples are soft and mushy.
5. Carefully remove the spice bag and lemon halves from the pot. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the apples to extract as much juice as possible.
6. Line a large bowl with a clean, dampened kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Pour the apple mixture into the lined bowl and let it sit undisturbed for at least 2 hours or overnight to strain naturally. Do not squeeze the cloth, as this will cloud the jelly.
7. Once the juice has strained, measure it and pour it back into a clean pot. For every cup of juice, add ¾ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
8. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and scorching. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
9. Test the jelly for doneness by carefully spooning a small amount onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when gently pushed with your finger, it’s ready.
10. Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean and secure the lids.
11. Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to seal properly. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your homemade Spiced Apple Jelly on toast, biscuits, or as a delightful accompaniment to cheese platters. This delicious jelly makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, capturing the essence of fall in every sweet, spiced bite.
