Quick Grape Jelly

Grape Jelly

This recipe is so easy its sad. I can usually do two batches in about an hour, give or take. It is from my bible--The Ball Blue Book. I never thought that I would love a canning/preserving book so much. It is very well used at my house.

Anyway,

Here is the recipe:

yields 6 half-pint jars

3 cups bottles grape juice, unsweetened

1 pkg. powdered pectin

4 1/2 cups sugar

1 stereo playing your favorite tunes

1 Diet Coke

I like to use Welch's grape juice. But make sure it is 100% juice.


Makes it much easier to pre-measure your sugar--so you are not spilling all over, while trying to quickly measure it and dump into the pan. Or maybe you are not a klutz like me!

I am not smart enough to be picky on pectin--this is what I used.

Combine grape juice and powdered pectin in a large saucepot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Return to a boil. Boil hard for 1 minute*, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary. Ladle hot jelly into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Adjust two-piece caps. Process 10 minutes** in a boiling-water canner.

* Really one 1 minute--no less, no more. Set your timer. This is important for set-up of your jelly.

**You have to adjust for your elevation. 10 minutes is for sea-level. I have to do 20 minutes. Refer to an altitude chart for proper processing times for your altitude.

Here is mine processing.......

Then when its done, pull the jars out--they are very hot--and set them on a towel to cool. Sit back, enjoy your Diet Coke and listen to the absolutely wonderful sound of the popping of the lids sealing.

I seriously love that popping sound--it makes me so happy for some reason. It is the sound of success!!!

My grape jelly!!!