Mint Jelly             Veg   CD   ACC

Vegetarian  herb  Cold  Accompaniment  Preserve  Preserves  Preserving  

Ingredients

2.2kg/5lb Cooking Apples – cut into thick chunks (unpeeled/un-cored)

1.1L/40fl.oz. Water
8 tbsp Freshly chopped Mint

A few large sprigs of Mint
1.1L/40fl.oz. Distilled Malt Vinegar
Sugar (see instructions)
A few drops of Green food Colouring

Instructions

1. Place the apples in a large saucepan together with the water and the mint sprigs. Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 45 minutes, until the fruit is soft, stirring from time to time to prevent sticking.

2. Add the vinegar to the pan and boil for a further 5 minutes.

3. Spoon the apple mixture into a jelly bag or cloth attached to the legs of an upturned stool, and leave to strain into a large bowl for at least 12 hours. Do not squeeze.

4. Prepare the jars (see notes below)

5. Discard the pulp remaining in the jelly bag. Measure the liquid in the bowl and return it to a saucepan together with 450g/1 lb of  sugar for each 600ml/20 fl.oz. of liquid.

6. Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved, then raise the heat boil rapidly for about 10 minutes.

7. Remove from the heat and test for a set (see notes below) .

8. Skim the surface with a slotted spoon then stir in the chopped mint and add a few drops of green food colouring. Allow to cool slightly then stir well to distribute the mint.

9. Ladle into warm jars, cover, seal and label (see notes below).

Serve with Lamb

Notes:    see also General preparations

Jars - Use jars which are free from cracks, chips or flaws – the best sizes to use are 450g/1lb although 1kg/2lb jars can be successfully used for pickling fruit.  Prepare the jars by washing well in warm soapy water and rinsing thoroughly. Dry the jars in a cool oven (140C, 275F, Gas Mark 1).  Fill whilst still warm to prevent the jars from cracking when the hot filling is added.

Testing for a set – Remove the pan of jam from the heat. Drop a teaspoonful of jam onto a cold saucer. Allow it to cool then gently push your finger through the jam.  If it wrinkles a satisfactory set has been achieved. If it doesn’t, return the saucepan to the heat and continue to boil for a few more minutes then test again. Repeat as necessary.

Filling the jars –  Fill  to the top then wipe the rims of the jar with a damp cloth. Immediately cover with a waxed disc whilst still hot (wax side down). Allow to cool then cover with cellophane,  securing with a rubber band. For long term storage secure the cellophane with a screw top lid.

Storage – Store in a cool dark place