Mama Richter’s Fruity Pebbles Jelly

Mama Richter’s Fruity Pebbles Jelly

what you need

3-3/4 cups  prepared juice 

1 box  SURE-JELL Fruit Pectin

½ tsp.  butter or margarine (optional)

4-1/2 cups  sugar, measured into separate bowl

make it

JUICE berries thoroughly.  I use a combination of any leftover fruit which I have frozen throughout the fresh season (blackberries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, strawberries, etc.).  Combine all fruit into one pot, bring to boil, then simmer for 30-45 minutes.  Pour fruit into sieve over bowl, smoosh fruit to release juice then let sit for 1-2 hours.  Rinse sieve, place cheesecloth or a double layer of paper towels into sieve and pour juice through sieve once more to remove any additional pulp.  **Measure 3-3/4 cups juice. 

**At this step I place the juice in an airtight container and place in fridge for one day to one week to thoroughly combine flavors, not a necessity, just enriches the end flavor of the jelly.

BRING boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain jars well before filling.

STIR pectin into juice in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming. (I don’t do that step).  Bring mixture to full rolling boil (boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.

LADLE immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 5 min. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middles of lids with finger. (If lids spring back, lids are not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

This is some lip-smacking jelly that you won’t forget quickly!