Cantaloupe In Port Jelly Food

MELON WITH PORT

Steps:

• Cut melon horizontally in half.
• Scoop out and discard seeds.
• Place melon halves on individual serving plates.
• Pour up to 1/4 cup of ruby port into each half.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

CANTALOUPE JAM

Steps:

• In an 8-quart pan, combine the cantaloupe, lemon juice, sugar, and butter.
• Over med-low heat, stirring constantly, heat the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Increase heat to med-high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
• Stir in the entire contents of both pectin pouches; return mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
• Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
• Remove pan from the heat; skim off any foam.
• To prevent jam from separating in the jars, allow the jam to cool for 5 minutes before filling the jars.
• Gently stir the jam every minute or so to distribute the fruit.
• Ladle the hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
• Wipe jar rims and threads with a clean, damp cloth; cover with hot lids and apply screw rings.
• Process half-pint jars in a 200°F water bath for 10 minutes; pint jars for 15 minutes.

CANTALOUPE PRESERVES

Steps:

• Place cantaloupe and sugar in large non-reactive saucepan, stir well, cover, and let set for 6-8 hours.
• Add lemon juice and pectin and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, while stirring. Continue to stir while the mixture boils for 5-6 minutes, or until it thickens sufficiently.
• Ladle into hot jars and seal according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Makes 4 ½ Cups.
• **Note: this is a good way to use up cantaloupe that has a strong flavor, but is not very sweet.

SPICED CANTALOUPE

Steps:

• Remove the seeds from the cantaloupe, cut off the rind and cut into 1"x2" strips or squares.
• Dissolve the alum in the water and bring to a boil.
• Add the cantaloupe and cook for 15 minutes.
• Drain well.
• Combine the vinegar, sugar, and spices.
• Add the cantaloupe and simmer slowly until the melon is transparent, about 45 minutes.
• Place in hot sterilized jars and seal.

CANTALOUPE IN PORT JELLY

Steps:

• In a small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over water and let soften 1 minute. Heat gelatin mixture over moderate heat, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved. Add sugar and Port and simmer, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice. Cool Port gelatin to room temperature.
• Seed cantaloupe and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges. Discard rind and cut enough wedges crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces to measure 1 cup. Divide melon among four 3/4-cup ramekins or bowls and pour Port gelatin over it. Chill jellies, covered, until set, at least 6 hours, and up to 1 day.