An apple jelly recipe that will go great with your Thanksgiving feast!
Halloween is in the rearview and we've got Thanksgiving up ahead! It's time to consider what dishes, drinks, and treats will garnish your holiday meals and add that extra wow factor. This week we have an apple jelly recipe for you that will set off your tastebuds and impress everyone at your Thanksgiving table.
Herbs & Spices For Apple Jelly
The apple is such a versatile fruit, as well as a fall staple. Therefore, many different flavors can be added to an apple jelly. In this recipe, we'll focus on pairing the apple jelly with thyme. However, the herb can be switched out with rosemary, peppermint, or chili flakes.
Apple & Thyme Jelly
In addition to the simple ingredients list, a few other items that would be good to have on hand include; A large preserving pan, a large measuring jug or bowl, and a jelly bag with a stand. As well as jam, or mason jars for canning.
Ingredients:
3 lbs of Granny Smith Apples
33 oz of Water
4 1/2 cups of Granulated Sugar
The juice of 2 Lemons
2 sprigs of Thyme
Directions:
The night before you plan on making your apple jelly, roughly chop your apples. You may remove the stems, but there's no need to peel or core them. Boil your chopped apple pieces in a large pot or preserving pan with water. Once your apple and water mixture has reached a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer without covering for 30 minutes.
Once the apples are soft enough to crush with a spoon, remove from heat, line a large bowl with a jelly bag, and pour your apple and water mixture into the jelly bag. (You may also use a cheesecloth in a pinch.)
Suspend the bag over the bowl with the provided stand and let it drip overnight.
The next day, pour your dripped juice into a large preserving pan and mix in your sugar. Bring the juice and sugar mixture to a boil, stirring consistently. Once all granulated sugar crystals have been dissolved stir in your lemon juice, and add in your sprigs of thyme.
Let this mixture simmer on a medium-high heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure to consistently skim off the top layer of scum that will form.
Preheat your oven to 250°F. On a large cookie sheet let your sterilized jam or mason jars sit in the oven for about 5 minutes to keep them warm.
Once your mixture has reached a syrup-like consistency with a golden hue, turn off the heat and let set for 15 minutes.
Ladle your jelly into warmed jars, cover with clean wax tops, and seal with lids. Let your jelly cool completely in the jars before you attempt any labeling or packaging.
Tea Time
In addition to being the perfect alternative to cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving feast this year, once canned, these apple and thyme jellies make a great holiday gift. Can't get enough of that fall apple flavor? Enjoy a hot cup of our Apple Chai black tea blend!
This blend of Assam black tea with apple, cinnamon, and green cardamom is a great way to enjoy the morning or afternoon. It has a rich malty taste, rounded out by sweet notes of warming cinnamon.