Red Hot Jelly
Red Hot Jelly offers a sweet and spicy flavor with hints of cinnamon, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting. Vibrant and versatile, it complements breakfast or dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and sterilize canning jars and lids.
- In a large, heavy saucepan, combine apple juice and sugar.
- Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add margarine and red cinnamon candies to the mixture.
- Stirring constantly, bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Stir in liquid pectin, stirring constantly.
- Return to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and skim foam from the top of the mixture with a large metal spoon.
- Fill sterilized jars to within 1/4-inch of the top.
- Wipe jar rims and seal the jars.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a successful jelly, ensure your apple juice is free of additives for better gelling. If you can't find red cinnamon candies, consider using red hots or even cinnamon extract for flavor. Always keep stirring while boiling to prevent burning. The margarine helps reduce foaming, so don’t skip it. Use fresh pectin for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions
This Red Hot Jelly is delicious on toast or as a glaze for meats. It pairs beautifully with Lite Pistachio Salad for a sweet and savory meal. Try it as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or pancakes. You can also use it in sandwiches or as a dip for Warm Sweet Potato Chips for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the Red Hot Jelly in the refrigerator where it can last for up to three weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it properly. Always use sterilized jars to prevent spoilage. If you need to reheat, gently warm the jelly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Hot Jelly contains roughly 1977 calories, with 54g protein, 409g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and calcium (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2599mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apple juice with other fruit juices like grape or cranberry. Just be mindful that the flavor and sweetness will change, so you may need to adjust the sugar accordingly.
How can I tell if my jelly has set properly?
To test if your jelly has set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and freeze it for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it's ready.
Is it possible to make this recipe without sugar?
You can use sugar substitutes like agave syrup or honey, but this may affect the jelly's texture and gelling properties. Ensure to choose a substitute that gels well, or follow a specific recipe designed for sugar-free jelly.
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).