Homemade Mint Jelly

Yield:
6 8-ounce jars

This bright-green jelly is traditionally served with lamb.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 6 cups apple juice

  • 4 ½ cups sugar

  • Green food coloring

Directions

  1. Put mint leaves in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 1 hour, pressing juice from the leaves every so often. Remove leaves.

  2. In a large kettle over medium heat, combine apple juice and mint extract. Bring to a boil, then add sugar. Continue to boil until mixture reaches 221 degrees on a candy thermometer or falls in sheets from a spoon, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

  3. Remove from heat and discard mint leaves, if added. Add a few drops of green food coloring, if desired. Skim off and discard any foam. Carefully ladle jelly into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space. Wipe excess jelly from inside and outside rims, then seal.

Cook's Notes

For a stronger mint flavor, tie bruised mint leaves in two thicknesses of cheesecloth and boil with the juice.

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