Sure-Jell is a trusted brand of pectin that has been a staple in home kitchens for decades. Its versatility and ease of use make it an essential ingredient for making jams, jellies, and preserves. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Sure-Jell can help you create delicious, homemade spreads that capture the essence of fresh fruit. Let’s explore some of the best Sure-Jell recipes that you can easily make at home.
Classic Strawberry Jam
Strawberry jam is a timeless favorite that captures the sweetness of ripe strawberries in a jar. To make this jam, you need fresh strawberries, Sure-Jell, sugar, and a bit of butter to reduce foaming. Start by washing and hulling the strawberries, then crush them in a large pot. Mix the Sure-Jell with the crushed strawberries and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath to ensure proper preservation. This jam is perfect on toast, in sandwiches, or as a topping for desserts.
Easy Grape Jelly
Grape jelly is another classic spread that’s simple to make with Sure-Jell. You’ll need grape juice, which you can extract from fresh grapes or use store-bought juice, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Combine the grape juice and Sure-Jell in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute. After removing from heat, skim off any foam and ladle the jelly into sterilized jars. Process the jars in a boiling water bath to seal them. Grape jelly is a delightful addition to breakfast tables and can be used in various recipes, from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to glazes for meats.
Homemade Peach Preserves
Peach preserves capture the luscious flavor of ripe peaches. You’ll need peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches, Sure-Jell, lemon juice, and sugar. Start by combining the peaches, lemon juice, and Sure-Jell in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the preserves into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. Peach preserves are fantastic on toast, biscuits, or pancakes and can also be used as a filling for pastries or cakes.
Blueberry-Lemon Jam
Blueberry-lemon jam is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. You’ll need fresh blueberries, lemon juice, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Wash and crush the blueberries, then combine them with lemon juice and Sure-Jell in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. This jam is delicious on toast, in yogurt, or as a topping for desserts.
Raspberry Freezer Jam
Raspberry freezer jam is a quick and easy way to preserve the fresh flavor of raspberries. You’ll need crushed raspberries, sugar, Sure-Jell for less or no sugar needed recipes, and water. Mix the crushed raspberries with sugar in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine Sure-Jell and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute, then pour the mixture over the raspberries and stir for three minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Ladle the jam into clean containers, leaving a bit of headspace, and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing. Freezer jam maintains a fresher fruit flavor compared to cooked jams and is easy to prepare.
Mixed Berry Jam
Mixed berry jam combines the flavors of various berries into one delicious spread. You’ll need a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Crush the berries and combine them in a large pot with Sure-Jell. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or using as a filling for pastries.
Spicy Jalapeño Jelly
Spicy jalapeño jelly is a unique and versatile spread that can be used in various dishes. You’ll need chopped jalapeños, bell peppers, apple cider vinegar, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Combine the peppers and vinegar in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the Sure-Jell and return to a boil, then add the sugar and bring back to a rolling boil for exactly one minute. Remove from heat, skim off any foam, and ladle the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. This jelly is perfect as a glaze for meats, a topping for cream cheese, or a spicy addition to sandwiches.
Apple Butter
Apple butter is a delicious jam made from apples, sugar, and spices. You’ll need peeled and chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and Sure-Jell. Cook the apples until soft, then puree them in a food processor. Combine the apple puree with sugar, cinnamon, and Sure-Jell in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Ladle the apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace, and seal. Process the jars in a boiling water bath to ensure proper preservation. Apple butter is fantastic on toast, biscuits, or as a filling for pastries.
Fig Preserves
Fig preserves are a sweet and slightly exotic spread that’s perfect for a variety of uses. You’ll need fresh figs, lemon juice, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Combine the figs, lemon juice, and Sure-Jell in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the preserves into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. Fig preserves are delightful on toast, paired with cheese, or used as a topping for desserts.
Cherry Jam
Cherry jam is a rich and flavorful spread made from fresh cherries, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Start by pitting and crushing the cherries, then combine them with Sure-Jell in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. Cherry jam is perfect for spreading on toast, using in desserts, or as a topping for ice cream.
Apricot Jam
Apricot jam is a bright and flavorful spread made from fresh apricots, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Start by pitting and chopping the apricots, then combine them with Sure-Jell in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. Apricot jam is fantastic on toast, in pastries, or as a glaze for meats.
Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a sweet and savory spread that’s perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. You’ll need fresh mangoes, onions, raisins, apple cider vinegar, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Combine the mangoes, onions, raisins, and vinegar in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the Sure-Jell and return to a boil, then add the sugar and bring back to a rolling boil for exactly one minute. Remove from heat, skim off any foam, and ladle the chutney into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. Mango chutney is perfect as a condiment for meats, a topping for sandwiches, or a dip for snacks.
Pomegranate Jelly
Pomegranate jelly is a vibrant and flavorful spread made from pomegranate juice, Sure-Jell, and sugar. Start by combining the pomegranate juice and Sure-Jell in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and return to a boil for exactly one minute before removing from heat. Skim off any foam and ladle the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath. Pomegranate jelly is delicious on toast, in yogurt, or as a glaze for meats.
Sure-Jell offers endless possibilities for creating delicious homemade spreads. Whether you prefer the classic flavors of strawberry and grape or the unique tastes of jalapeño and pomegranate, there’s a Sure-Jell recipe for everyone. Experiment with different fruits and flavors to find your perfect jam or jelly.
FAQs
What is Sure-Jell and how does it work?
Sure-Jell is a brand of pectin used to thicken and gel jams, jellies, and preserves. It works by reacting with sugar and fruit acids to create a gel-like consistency.
Can I use Sure-Jell for low-sugar recipes?
Yes, Sure-Jell offers a version specifically for less or no sugar needed recipes, allowing you to make lower-sugar spreads.
How do I store my homemade jams and jellies?
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within three weeks.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making jelly?
Avoid using overripe fruit, which can affect the set. Also, ensure you boil the mixture for the recommended time to achieve the proper consistency.
How can I tell if my jam or jelly has set properly?
To test the set, place a small amount of the hot mixture on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s set.
