Candy Apple Jelly

The focus keyphrase, Candy Apple Jelly, brings a festive touch to your holiday table. This jelly is not only a delightful treat but also a beautiful addition to your Christmas spread. Its vibrant color and sweet-spicy flavor make it perfect for gifting or serving with breakfast and desserts. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for unique canning ideas, this Candy Apple Jelly will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this jelly in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of apple juice and red hot candies creates a deliciously unique taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
• Versatile Use: Perfect as a spread on toast, a topping for desserts, or even as a gift in pretty jars!
• Attractive Presentation: The vibrant red hue makes this jelly visually appealing, enhancing any holiday table.
• Great for Canning: This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy home canning and want to create something special for the season.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Candy Apple Jelly requires some essential tools to ensure success. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon
• Canning jars with lids
• Boiling water bath

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the ingredients evenly without risk of overflow.
• Canning jars with lids: Keeps the jelly fresh, allowing you to store it safely for later use.

Ingredients

For the Jelly

• 4 cups no sugar added apple juice
• 1/2 cup red hot candies
• 1 package fruit pectin
• 4 1/2 cups sugar

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Candy Apple Jelly

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large pot, combine apple juice, red hots candy, and pectin.
2. Bring to a full boil over high heat while stirring constantly.
3. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

1. Return the mixture to a full boil.
2. Boil for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to ensure even consistency.

Step 3: Prepare Jars

1. Remove from heat and skim off any foam or undissolved candy floating on top.
2. Pour the hot liquid into hot jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.

Step 4: Seal Jars

1. Wipe the rims of the jars clean before applying lids and rings securely.

Step 5: Process Jars

1. Process filled jars in boiling water bath for 5 minutes to seal properly.

Enjoy your homemade Candy Apple Jelly!

How to Serve Candy Apple Jelly

Candy Apple Jelly is not just a delightful treat; it can be served in various ways to enhance your meals and snacks. This sweet and spicy jelly pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile addition to your table.

On Toast or Biscuits

• Spread on Toast: Slather Candy Apple Jelly on warm toast for a delicious breakfast.
• With Biscuits: Serve alongside freshly baked biscuits for a comforting snack.

As a Glaze for Meats

• Pork Chops: Brush Candy Apple Jelly over grilled pork chops to add sweetness and depth.
• Chicken Wings: Use it as a glaze for baked chicken wings for a festive flavor.

With Cheese

• Cheese Board: Pair with sharp cheddar or creamy brie on a cheese platter.
• On Crackers: Serve atop whole-grain crackers for an easy appetizer.

In Desserts

• Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert twist.
• With Pancakes: Use as a syrup alternative on pancakes or waffles.

How to Perfect Candy Apple Jelly

Creating the perfect Candy Apple Jelly takes some attention, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some tips to ensure your jelly turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, no sugar added apple juice to enhance flavor.
• Monitor Temperature: Ensure the mixture reaches a full boil before adding sugar for proper gelling.
• Skim Off Foam: Remove any foam from the top after cooking to improve texture and appearance.
• Check Consistency: Use the spoon test; let some jelly cool on a spoon to check if it sets properly.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Make sure jars are hot before filling to prevent breakage and spoilage.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Apple Jelly

Candy Apple Jelly complements many side dishes, enhancing flavors and adding sweetness. Here are some great options to consider when serving this delightful jelly.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies pair beautifully with the sweetness of the jelly.
2. Mashed Potatoes: A dollop of jelly can add an interesting twist to classic mashed potatoes.
3. Coleslaw: The tanginess of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the sweet notes of Candy Apple Jelly.
4. Glazed Carrots: Toss carrots in Candy Apple Jelly for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Stuffing: Mix into stuffing for Thanksgiving or holiday meals for added sweetness.
6. Green Beans Almondine: Drizzle over green beans with almonds for a festive touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Apple Jelly, it’s easy to stumble upon some common pitfalls. Here are key mistakes to watch out for:

• Using regular apple juice: Always opt for no sugar added apple juice to maintain the right sweetness and flavor balance in your Candy Apple Jelly.

• Not stirring enough: Failing to stir constantly can lead to uneven cooking or burning. Make sure to stir throughout the boiling process for a smooth jelly.

• Ignoring headspace in jars: Not leaving 1/4 inch of headspace when filling jars can cause overflow during processing. This is crucial for proper sealing.

• Skipping the foam removal: Forgetting to skim off the foam can affect the jelly’s appearance and texture. Always remove any undissolved candy and foam before sealing.

• Incorrect processing time: Processing your jars for too little or too much time can compromise safety and quality. Stick to the recommended 5 minutes in a boiling water bath.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars of Candy Apple Jelly in the refrigerator.
• Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
• Consume within 3 weeks for the best flavor.

Freezing Candy Apple Jelly

• Freeze jelly in airtight freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some headspace to allow for expansion.
• Use within a year for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Candy Apple Jelly

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place jar in warm water, and heat until desired temperature is reached.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container for 10-15 seconds, stirring in between, until just warm.

• Stovetop: Place jelly in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Candy Apple Jelly?

Candy Apple Jelly is a sweet, vibrant jelly made from apple juice and flavored with red hot candies. It captures the essence of candy apples, making it perfect for spreading or gift-giving.

How long does Candy Apple Jelly last?

Properly stored, homemade Candy Apple Jelly can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and can be frozen for up to a year without losing flavor.

Can I customize my Candy Apple Jelly recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of apple juice or add spices like cinnamon for a unique twist on this classic Candy Apple Jelly recipe.

Is Candy Apple Jelly safe for canning?

Yes, as long as you follow proper canning procedures like using sterilized jars and processing them correctly, your Candy Apple Jelly will be safe for long-term storage.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Candy Apple Jelly is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor that captures holiday cheer. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even as a gift. Feel free to customize flavors by adding spices or experimenting with different juices!