Chokecherry Jelly Recipe Foodcom

CHOKECHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
• Crush chokecherries thoroughly, one layer at a time. Place chokecherries and water in medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until tender. Press through a sieve. Measure exactly 3 1/2 cups pulp into 6 or 8 qt saucepot. Stir in lemon juice.
• Stir pectin into prepared pulp in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8" of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2 piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1-2". Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.).

CHOKECHERRY JELLY (AND JAM!)

Steps:

• Clean and de-stem the chokecherries. Extract the juice, either in a steam juicer or by simmering them for roughly 20 minutes with 1 cup of water. Strain through a jelly bag for at least 2 hours.
• Measure the resulting juice and place 4 cups in a jam pot.
• Add sugar and lemon juice (if using).
• Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and overflows.
• Cook on medium-high heat until the mixture reaches gel stage (about 15-20 minutes). Test for gelling on a plate that's been chilled in the freezer, or cook until it reaches 220 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
• Pour the chokecherry jelly into prepared canning jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace and cap with 2 part canning lids.
• Store the finished jam in the refrigerator, or process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat on the canner, allow the jars to remain an additional 5 minutes, then remove to cool to room temperature.
• After 24 hours, check seals and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use. Properly canned and sealed jars will keep in the pantry for 12-18 months. Refrigerate after opening, and use within a few weeks.

CHOKECHERRY SYRUP

Steps:

• Wash chokecherries, place in a large kettle, barely cover with water and cook, covered, for about 30 minutes till the cherries are soft.
• Mash gently and strain the chokecherry juice through a sieve or cheesecloth.
• Pour 3 cups juice into a large kettle; stir in the sugar.
• Cook on high, stirring constantly.
• Boil hard for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat and skim foam.
• Add extract if using (almond extract gives a stronger cherry taste).
• To can: Pour hot syrup into sterilized hot jars to within 1/8th inch from top.