Cranberry-Wine Jelly
A tangy and aromatic cranberry-wine jelly with warm spices, perfect for holiday spreads or gift-giving, offering a delightful balance of tartness and rich wine flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cranberry juice, cinnamon, and cloves in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
- Boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in port wine and liquid fruit pectin.
- Skim off foam with a metal spoon.
- Quickly pour the hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Cover immediately with a 1/8-inch layer of paraffin wax.
- Seal with lids.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure to thoroughly dissolve the sugar before boiling. If you don’t have Port wine, consider using another sweet red wine as a substitute. Adjust the spices to your preference; for a bolder flavor, you can increase the cinnamon or cloves slightly. Ensure your jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry-Wine Jelly pairs beautifully with cheese platters, especially sharp cheddar or brie. It can also be used as a glaze for meats or as a sweet topping for desserts. Consider serving it alongside Pam'S Cole Slaw for a delightful contrast or spreading it on warm biscuits for a flavorful breakfast treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator where it should last for up to a month. If you have leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until just warm, to maintain texture without burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Wine Jelly contains roughly 315 calories, with 6g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberry juice instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberry juice is a great substitute for fresh juice. Just ensure it's fully thawed and well-mixed before using it in the recipe. This will maintain the flavor and consistency of your jelly.
What should I do if my jelly doesn’t set?
If your jelly doesn’t set properly, it may be due to insufficient pectin or not boiling long enough. You can reprocess it by adding more pectin and boiling again, or use it as a sauce instead.
Is this jelly safe for canning?
Yes, this jelly is safe for canning when properly processed and sealed. Ensure your jars are sterilized, and store them in a cool, dark place. Always check for proper sealing before consuming.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).