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"Red currant jelly is a jewel-like preserve that captures the tart brightness of summer’s red currants in every spoonful. Its vibrant flavour pairs beautifully with vegan cheese, roasted veggies, or even a simple slice of toast. This easy-to-make jelly is a pantry staple, adding a sweet-tart zing to both savoury and sweet dishes.
1 kg (2.2 lbs) red currants (stems removed)
500 ml (2 cups) water
750 g (3.5 cups) granulated sugar (for every 1 litre of juice)
The How to Bit
Prepare the Currants: Rinse the red currants thoroughly and remove the stems.
Cook the Currants: Place the currants in a large pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the currants soften and release their juices.
Strain the Juice: Pour the mixture into a muslin or cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a large bowl. Let it drain overnight to extract the juice—don’t press the pulp, or your jelly will be cloudy.
Measure the Juice: The next day, measure the juice you’ve collected. For every litre of juice, you'll need 750 grams of sugar.
Boil the Juice and Sugar: Return the strained juice to a clean pot. Add the sugar, stirring over low heat until it dissolves completely. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches setting point (105°C/220°F on a candy thermometer).
Test for Setting: To check if the jelly is ready, place a spoonful on a chilled plate and let it cool. Push it gently with your finger; if it wrinkles, it’s set.
Jar the Jelly: Once the jelly has reached the setting point, pour it into sterilized jars. Seal immediately and let cool completely.
Your homemade red currant jelly is now ready to enjoy!