Wine Jelly

Wine Jelly

It is a chilly day- and I decided it was a great time to make some wine jelly. I have to say, all that wine simmering in a pot, makes the house smell very nice. I will make several batches, some red (Merlot)  and some white (Chardonnay). I might even have time to make a blush wine jelly.  Any wine that is good enough to drink, can be turned into wine jelly. Having said that, I would not recommend using a really expensive wine for jelly making. Wine jelly can be served on toast, or with bagels and cream cheese. I love it on a croissant with a little butter, or served with cheese and crackers. You can also used the wine jelly to glaze meats.  It also makes nice gifts.

Wine Jelly

5 c. wine

1 box (1.75oz.) pectin

7 c. sugar

Wash jars and lids and keep jars warm. I just fill them with hot water. You can also run them through a dishwasher and keep them in there until ready to use. Get a water bath canner filled with enough water to cover the jars by an inch or two of water. Bring water to a boil. Meanwhile, in large put combine wine with pectin. Cook over high heat, stirring often until mixture reaches a boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil 1 minute. Add sugar, continue stirring, and return mixture to a boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil 1 minute. Skim off any foam. Ladle jelly into hot jars, filling leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims and screw on lids comfortably tight. Place jars in water bath. Return water to boil and start timing. Process 10 minutes, then remove jars to towel covered counter top to cool. Check lids the next morning to make sure they all sealed.  Makes 8-9 half-pint jars.

Note: To reduce foaming you can add one teaspoon of butter to the wine and pectin in the beginning of the cooking process.