We have an abundant grapevine growing down by the big barn and I decided to see how they'd fare in jelly. I have never made jelly before, which sort of surprises me, now that I have! It's fun.
I read a few cookbooks and took the expert advice of my friend, Wanda, who has made jelly so often she could tell me by memory. Good advice, Wanda! I didn't crush the grapes in the initial simmer, although many of the recipes said to. The resulting jelly is dark purple and clear and the taste was fantastic prior to filling the jars. All the lids "popped" down after a half hour cooling and the jelly was firm in less that 4 hours!
I bet the grapes would also make a nice dye for the wool? Purple is one of my favorite colors.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I was thinking about picking a bunch of those Concord Grapes up the road from my house. I thought I might try making some wine. Ever do that?
I recently tried some apple wine at Alysson's Orchards. I have to say I'll stick with a nice Cabernet, or Merlot :-)
My mom used to make Jelly when I was a kid. I remember the steaming pots in an already hot kitchen. Lot of work but boy was it good. Her peach was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteEd
Mary,I haven't done a test on grapes to dye with but I suspect they are like the other berries and not lightfast. They only dye what you don't want them to! and I haven't made wine either but if you figure it out so it is easy on the stomach...let me know!
ReplyDeleteEd, I'll bet your Mom made jelly without pectin? I cheated... (<:
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYour jelly looks fabulous! Isn't the color grand? I too "jellied" this weekend, but mine was crab apple. It is clear and looks just like honey.
Enjoy and I'm sure you'll do more jellying because it's such fun & tastes sooooo good!
Wanda
Wanda, Thank you for your steadfast support and confidence! You little ole jelly maker you!
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteYour jelly is yummy! I had it on toast this morning and it is wonderful. I wish I had had something other than wheat bread as it was a little strong for the lovely grape flavor.
Kudos, my friend.
Wanda
Oh, I am relieved! Seemed good to me but I appreciate the feedback from a pro! Now I need to do the same to the crabapple jelly you made this past weekend. I will this morning when I have a late morning snack and will report back!
ReplyDelete