Ruth Feeney’s Blackberry Jelly
This sweet blackberry jelly recipe from Yankee 2009 “Best Cook” Ruth Feeney is the perfect way to make use of fresh summer blackberries.
This sweet blackberry jelly recipe from Yankee 2009 “Best Cook” Ruth Feeney is the perfect way to make use of fresh summer blackberries. You may also use this recipe for blackberry jelly to make elderberry jelly, if you have a good and trusted source. Ruth calls elderberry the “Cadillac” of jellies and says it makes a great gift.
Note: To process her jars, Ruth runs them through the dishwasher and takes them out just after the cycle is done, so they’re still hot and sterilized. If your dishwasher gets hot enough, this is a good method; otherwise boil the jars and lids the old-fashioned way. Ruth also seals her jars with paraffin, eliminating the need for water processing, but you’re welcome to process that way if you prefer.
Yield:
4 pintsIngredients
2 cups water (approximately)
3 quarts freshly picked, cultivated blackberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 package (1.75 ounces) powdered pectin
5 cups sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Pour about 2 cups water into a large stock- or soup pot. Add berries and crush them with a potato masher. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat.
Now layer a sieve with cheesecloth, hold over a bowl, add berry mixture, and let the juice drain into the bowl. (Make sure no seeds get through.) This should yield about 3 1/2 cups of juice. (If you need more liquid, add apple juice or water.)
Pour blackberry juice back into the pot. Add lemon juice and pectin and bring to a boil. Add sugar and boil 1 minute. Add butter.
Pour mixture into 4 pint jars. Pour a half-inch layer of paraffin over the top of each jar and seal them.
