While on vacation, Michael, the fellow who, along with his wife Lynn, own our favorite little red cottage, told me that he had made crabapple jelly from the crabapples that grow on the tree in their backyard. I had no idea they were actually edible (and without sugar, they really aren't) so I thought I would give it a try.Their kids, my daughter and I picked A LOT of crabapples. The tree was gorgeous. It was COVERED in crabapples. You couldn't even get within 10 feet of it without smelling their heady aroma.
When we got home I made jelly. I spent:
$2.19 on 5lbs of sugar (I didn't use it all but for the sake of argument I'll keep it simple)
$1.69 on Fruit Pectin
$4.99 cheesecloth to strain it
Total: $8.87 for 13 jars of jelly. (or $0.68 each!) This would have been cheaper if I had some cheesecloth or a jelly bag already but I did wash it to be able to re-use it.
I've never made jelly before (jam yes, jelly, no). It's such a beautiful ruby color, (It's kind of hard to tell from the picture). I am so proud that it is clear and not cloudy and it set up perfectly! Now 12 of my friends and family need to worry about being the recipient of my newest creation!
4 comments:
Ooh, it certainly looks good enough to eat! :-)
What's the difference between jam and jelly? I'd always assumed that "jelly" was the US equivalent of what we call "jam".
Hi!
Jam is thick and has pieces of fruit/seeds in it. It is not clear. Jelly is clear (but colored) and doesn't have any solids in in (is also thick of course) What do you call both of those?
I'd love the recipe for this sometime -- I have a crab apple tree in the back yard -- LOADED with crab apples right now! (I'll even share!!) ;)
I'll post the recipe tomorrow! It's SOOOOOO easy! And now that I know you have them I won't have to drive 3 hours and go on vacation next time I want to make some.
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