Preparation:
Combine wine and sugar in a large saucepan and mix well. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Immediately stir in liquid fruit pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil and boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off foam with metal spoon. Insert jar-length sprigs of fresh herbs into each warm, sterilized jar. Pour jelly quickly into jars filling up to 0.5 cm. ( 1/4-inch) from rim.
Seal while hot with sterilized 2-piece lids with new centres.
You can add sparkle and spirit to gift-giving this holiday season by creating unique jellies using wine and liqueurs. Because there is no fruit to clean or mash or juice to prepare, wine jellies are exceptionally easy to make. Simply measure and heat the wine and sugar, then stir in pectin as directed in each recipe. These jellies are ideal spooned on to cheese and cracker canapes or as a condiment to serve with meat and poultry. To infuse an herb flavour in white wine herb jelly, fresh herbs (available in fresh fruit and vegetable markets and supermarkets year-round) are simply placed in each jar of the prepared jelly before it is sealed. This technique not only flavours the jelly but also creates an eye-catching product to present as a gift. For best results, use sturdy herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, thyme or savoury. They retain their shape when placed in the hot jelly. Be sure to cut the herb sprigs to the length of the jar. This helps to keep them suspended in the jelly as it sets. Personalize your wine jellies with special gift wrapping. Place a circle of fabric or festive paper over the lid, secure it with a rubber band, then tie on a colourful ribbon or fabric braid. |
