Gingerbread Spice Jelly captures the warm, festive flavors of gingerbread in a sweet, spreadable form. With a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this jelly is perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to toast, biscuits, or even a charcuterie board. Its deep amber color and cozy flavor profile make it a beautiful addition to any holiday table or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. This jelly will quickly become a seasonal favorite, evoking memories of holiday baking with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple juice (or other fruit juice, such as pear or cranberry)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (1.75-ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jars: Sterilize 6 half-pint jars and lids in boiling water. Keep them warm until ready to use.
- Cook the Juice and Spices: In a large pot, combine the apple juice, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Gradually whisk in the powdered pectin and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add the Sugar: Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, add the sugar all at once. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and return the mixture to a boil. Boil hard for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Test for Set: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam. To test for doneness, drop a small amount of jelly onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s ready. If not, return to a boil and test again after a minute.
- Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot jelly into the prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on the jars, and screw the bands on until fingertip tight.
- Process the Jars: Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a good seal. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely. Check the seals before storing.
Spread this Gingerbread Spice Jelly on everything from toast to scones for a burst of holiday flavor!
