Easy and Delicious Recipe for Elderberry Jelly with Sure Jell: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Bliss

#### Recipe for Elderberry Jelly with Sure JellElderberry jelly is a delightful and nutritious treat that captures the essence of elderberries, known for th……

#### Recipe for Elderberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Elderberry jelly is a delightful and nutritious treat that captures the essence of elderberries, known for their rich flavor and health benefits. This recipe for elderberry jelly with Sure Jell is not only simple to follow but also yields a beautiful, vibrant jelly that can be enjoyed on toast, in desserts, or as a topping for various dishes. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process, ensuring that you create a delicious batch of elderberry jelly that your family and friends will love.

#### Ingredients Needed for Elderberry Jelly

To begin, gather the following ingredients:

- 4 cups of elderberry juice (freshly made or store-bought)

- 1 package of Sure Jell fruit pectin

- 5 cups of granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup of lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)

#### Equipment Required

Before starting the cooking process, make sure you have the necessary equipment:

- Large pot

- Wooden spoon or spatula

- Measuring cups and spoons

- Canning jars with lids

- A canning pot or large stockpot for water bath canning

- Sterilized jars and lids

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Elderberry Juice**: If you are using fresh elderberries, rinse them thoroughly and remove the stems. Place the berries in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Afterward, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. You should have approximately 4 cups of elderberry juice.

2. **Combine Ingredients**: In a large pot, combine the elderberry juice, lemon juice, and Sure Jell pectin. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

3. **Cook the Mixture**: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, add the granulated sugar all at once. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.

4. **Boil the Jelly**: Continue to boil the mixture for exactly one minute. This step is crucial as it helps to activate the pectin, ensuring that your jelly sets properly.

5. **Test for Doneness**: To check if your jelly is ready, you can perform the "spoon test." Dip a spoon into the mixture and let it cool for a few seconds. If it coats the back of the spoon and holds its shape, it’s ready for canning.

6. **Canning the Jelly**: Carefully ladle the hot elderberry jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight.

7. **Process the Jars**: Place the filled jars in a canning pot filled with boiling water. Ensure that the water covers the jars by at least an inch. Process the jars in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes. The exact time may vary based on your altitude.

8. **Cool and Store**: After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack. You should hear the satisfying "pop" of the lids sealing as they cool. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of the lid; it should not flex up and down.

#### Enjoying Your Elderberry Jelly

Once your elderberry jelly has set and cooled, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, use it as a filling for pastries, or even incorporate it into sauces for meats. The possibilities are endless, and the vibrant color and rich flavor will surely impress anyone who tries it.

This recipe for elderberry jelly with Sure Jell is not only a great way to preserve the delicious taste of elderberries but also a fun activity to do with family or friends. Enjoy making this delightful jelly and sharing it with your loved ones!