Elderflower Apple Jelly Food

ELDERFLOWER APPLE JELLY

Steps:

• Inspect 6 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discard any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jelly is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Place elderflower umbels into a plastic or glass bowl. Pour apple cider on top so the flowers are fully immersed. Weigh down flowers with a small plate if necessary. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 24 hours.
• Place a small plate in the freezer. Line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth and strain the juice into a large heavy pot. Add the sugar and heat slowly, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the pectin and bring to a full boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove the pot from the heat.
• Remove the plate from the freezer and spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the hot jelly on the plate. Tilt the plate back and forth and wait for a few seconds; if the jelly sets, it has the right consistency. If jelly remains liquid, return pot to the heat, add citric acid and boil for 30 more seconds. Repeat the jelling test. Skim off any foam with a ladle or a large spoon.
• Pack jelly into the prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and tightly screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Let rest for 24 hours without moving the jars. Gently press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

ELDERFLOWER JELLY (OR JAM) RECIPE

Steps:

• Soak: Shake the flowers over the sink to remove any insects or dust. Place in a large bowl and cover with the juice. Cover the bowl and let it stand in a cool place for 24 hours (not in the fridge).
• Preparations: Place a small plate in the freezer; you will need it to check if the jelly is set. Sterilize the jars and lids and place them upside down on a clean kitchen towel.
• Mix: Strain the flavored juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pot. Add the lemon juice. Mix the sugar and pectin in a small bowl. (See note). Whisk the sugar-pectin mixture into the juice in the pot.
• Cook: Bring to a boil while stirring often. Once the mixture comes to a full boil, cook for 4 minutes while stirring continuously.
• Check: Remove the pot from the heat. Pour a few drops of jelly on the plate you had in the freezer. If they set almost immediately, the jelly is ready. If they remain very liquid after one minute, boil the jelly for another minute and check again, it should be fine now, don't overcook it, or it will become too solid.
• Transfer: Pour the jelly into the sterilized jars. It is preferable to use a jam funnel; it makes filling more manageable and safer (Amazon affiliate link). Seal the jars and let them cool before moving.
• Store in a dark, cool place, like a cellar or pantry. It will keep for at least 6 months and up to 1 year. Once you open a jar, keep it refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks.

ELDERFLOWER & RASPBERRY JELLY

Steps:

• Arrange half of the raspberries (choose similar-sized ones) in 2 x 150ml darioles or moulds.
• Cut the remaining raspberries into halves and place in a mixing bowl. Squeeze over the lemon juice and sprinkle with caster sugar, then toss. Cover and chill in the fridge.
• Put the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water to soften. Pour the cordial and 50ml of the Prosecco into a saucepan. Heat until just simmering, then take off the heat.
• Take the softened gelatine leaves out of the bowl and squeeze out the excess water. Put them in the saucepan and whisk together to combine. Reduce the temperature until it's cool enough to touch (try placing the pan in a shallow sink of cold water). Once the liquid is cool, gently add the remaining Prosecco and stir. The more gently you stir, the more fizz you will have in your jelly. Carefully pour into the jelly moulds. Put the moulds onto a metal tray and place in the fridge. They will take 3-4 hrs to set.
• To serve, turn out the jelly onto a plate and spoon over the macerated raspberries. Decorate the plate with a few elderflowers or try sprinkling a little cracked black pepper over the top, if you like.