Muscadine Butter Food

SPICED MUSCADINE JAM

Steps:

• Prepare grapes by cutting partway through the skin and popping the pulp/seed capsule out of the hull. Put pulp into one pot and the hulls into another.
• Simmer the pulp, covered, on low-medium until soft enough to press through sieve or food mill ~ 10 minutes. Add just a little water if necessary to prevent sticking.
• Meanwhile, chop hulls very finely in the food processor and return to their pot. Add just enough water to make it possible to simmer without sticking. Cook slowly, covered, about 10 minutes or until hulls are softened.
• Press pulp through a sieve or food mill to remove seeds. Stir sieved pulp into cooked hulls.
• Place grape puree into a large pot and stir in the spices. Bring to a boil.
• Stir in sugar and return to a boil.
• Simmer, stirring frequently, until the jellying point is reached, 2-3 hours. Timing is approximate and will vary depending on conditions and the amount of natural pectin in the fruit. Check frequently after the first hour.
• Pack into hot, sterilized jars and process for 10 minutes in boiling water bath.

GRAPE BUTTER

Steps:

• In a large stainless or enamel pot add grapes and water.
• Heat to medium high and mash grapes.
• Continue to cook as mixture thickens, about 30 minutes.
• Stir frequently.
• Put grapes and juice through a food mill to remove seeds.
• Return pulp to pot and cook over medium low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring frequently.
• You may need more cooking time depending on the amount of juice your grapes hold.
• When product is quite thick place a drop of grape butter on a frozen plate.
• If you get a ring of fluid around grape butter drop you need to continue to cook.
• Repeat test until no liquid ring appears.
• At this point taste and add honey if you wish.
• When done, ladle butter into clean, hot sterile jars leaving 1/2 inch head space and seal.
• Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes at altitudes up to 1000 feet.

MUSCADINE JAM

Steps:

• Inspect four 8-ounce jars (or two 16-ounce jars) for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water. Place a couple of small plates in the freezer.
• Wash grapes and cut in half. Combine grapes and sugar in a large pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Maintain a medium to low boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking; make sure it does not get too hot.
• Check doneness by dropping a small spoonful of jam onto a frozen plate. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes; if jam appears to gel, it is ready. Continue cooking if jam appears thin and runny.
• Transfer a portion of the jam mixture to a blender; puree until all hulls and seeds are ground. Set pureed jam in a pot to keep warm, and continue with remaining mixture.
• Pack pureed jam into hot, sterilized 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 residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• 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 5 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from water and set aside until the entire canning jar cools and you hear the "pop" of the can sealing, at least 1 hour. Store and enjoy at your leisure!