– 4 cups fresh pears, peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Creating the delightful Pear and Vanilla Jelly is straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve perfect results:
1. Prepare the Pears: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the pears. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pears: In a large pot, combine the diced pears and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes until the pears become soft.
3. Puree the Mixture: Remove the pot from heat. Using a strainer or food mill, extract the juice from the cooked pears. You should have about 3 cups of pear juice.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the pear juice to the pot. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Add Pectin: Stir in the powdered fruit pectin. Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
6. Check for Consistency: To test whether the jelly is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it holds its shape after a minute in the fridge, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling for another minute.
7. Jar the Jelly: Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids.
8. Process the Jars: If you are canning, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
9. Cool Down: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. You’ll know they’re sealed if the lids are indented.
10. Set the Jelly: For best results, let the jelly set completely in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.