Siren Cyn's Freezer Jam

Siren Cyn hails us from the northern reaches of Somewhereoutthereistan. She told us that her peaceful country is actually a large commune and everyone contributes to the betterment of the whole. She shared with us some freezer jam she made from the grapes of the wine. She makes this from fresh concord grapes grown in her backyard, but of course you can buy them at your local farmers market as they are just coming into season.

Ingredients:

2 cups (about 1.5 to 2 lbs.) of fully ripe Concord Grapes
2/3 cups and 2 tbsp. water, separated
4 cups sugar,
1 packet fruit pectin
3 pieces of cheesecloth
5 one-cup ball jars

Instructions:

Stem and wash the grapes thoroughly, then crush grapes with a potato masher and place in a large saucepan; add 2/3 cup water. Bring to boil; cover. Simmer on low heat 15 min., stirring occasionally. Place 3 layers of damp cheesecloth in a large bowl. Pour prepared fruit into cheesecloth. Tie cheesecloth closed; hang and let drip into bowl until dripping stops. Gently Press. Measure 2 cups juice into large bowl. Stir in sugar. Let sit 10 min., stirring occasionally. Put in remaining 2 tbsp water and the pectin in small bowl and mix. Add to juice mixture; stir until sugar is dissolved and not granular (it's ok for some sugar crystals to remain).

Fill your containers to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers and directly cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Jelly is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.

RETURN TO RECIPE LIST