| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 766 | 0g | 0g | 200g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 196g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
In the heart of the Rockies, where I call home, the elderberry trees thrive, gifting us with their bountiful fruit in the fall. One recipe I’ve had in my arsenal for years that transforms these berries into something magical is this soul-soothing Elderberry Jelly Recipe. Time and time again, it’s proven to be a delightful treat, as it marries the robust flavor of elderberries with a touch of tart lemon – creating a spread that’s perfect on a slice of homemade game meat sausage or freshly caught trout.
A Step Back In Time
Whenever I stir that pot of boiling elderberry juice and pectin, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This recipe is reminiscent of the homemade jellies and jams my grandmother used to make back in her kitchen. I remember the smell that would fill the house as the berries would simmer and reduce – and the thrill of hearing the lids pop as the jars sealed.
Just like my grandma, I also love to make this jelly for my loved ones. Saying that Gordon, my better half, is obsessed with this elderberry concoction would be an understatement. Paired with crusty bread and a mug of hot cocoa, this dish literally brings warmth to our chilly mountain evenings.
Passing on the Goodness
Besides being a tribute to my culinary heritage, this Elderberry Jelly Recipe is also packed with health benefits. Elderberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system, lower inflammation, and protect your heart source. They are also known to be good for colds and flu because of their antiviral properties. Adding this jelly to your daily diet is much more than indulging your taste buds, it’s nourishing your body too.
If you’re looking for a new adventure in your kitchen, this jelly isn’t dissimilar to a traditional chokecherry jelly or a blackberry jam. And for a stellar dining experience, you might want to try it with a hot plate of game meat steak or cool it off with a chilled trout ceviche.
So, whenever you’re craving a lick of sweetness or wanting to switch things up from the typical grocery store-bought jellies, try your hand at this Elderberry Jelly Recipe. It’s a delightful culinary adventure and a comforting slice of heritage, all jammed into one jar. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of elderberry juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) of powdered fruit pectin
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 4.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 6 sterilized half pint canning jars with lids
Method
Step One
Start by collecting 3 cups of elderberry juice. Then prepare 1 package (1.75 ounces) of powdered fruit pectin, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 4.5 cups of granulated sugar and have 6 sterilized half pint canning jars with lids ready.
Step Two
In a large pot, bring the elderberry juice, lemon juice, and powdered fruit pectin to a boil, stirring continuously.
Step Three
Once the mixture is boiling, add in the granulated sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Four
Return the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil hard for 1 minute, continuing to stir continuously.
Step Five
Remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam that formed during boiling with a spoon and discard.
Step Six
Ladle the hot jelly into the sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth, then screw on the lids tightly.
Step Seven
Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. After processing, remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool at room temperature, checking later to ensure the lids have sealed properly.
Step Eight
Once cooled, store your elderberry jelly in a cool, dark place. Enjoy on toast, biscuits, or use it as a flavorful spread in sandwiches.
