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Homemade Grape Jelly
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Ever since I can remember, my family has gathered together every fall to pick grapes in my grandparents’ backyard.
It is a tradition that I look forward to every single year.When I was a girl, my grandparents had a huge garden and lovely orchard with grape vines running the whole length of the back fence. It was a magical world where my cousin and I would play. We would build forts in the trees and search under the vines for snails and snakes. Occasionally we would find a lost bunny or cat, but the snakes were our favorite. My grandmother was deathly afraid of anything that slithered so we would chase her with them, laughing as she screamed.
Rotten little stinks!While Grandpa flood irrigated the yard, we would slosh around in our bare feet. We were his “best helpers”.
He cut small pieces of wood for each of us and we would surf on them across the waterlogged grass.I didn’t know it then, but I realize now that I was living a storybook childhood.
Year after year we gather at the vines with apple baskets and old wash tubs to harvest. Someone inevitably get a snail placed in their hair or comes face to face with Charlotte and her web. Year after year we continue to go back and each time brings new growth as my brothers and cousins marry, and new great grand-babies are born.
The garden has long been replaced by a parking lot and the snakes are a distant memory but the beautiful vines full of fun and memories remain.
It’s funny how something as simple as snails, time with family, homemade grape jelly, and old tea towels can resonate in your soul.
These are the things my dreams are made of.Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for your time, your love, the memories… everything.
Ingredients- 3 3/4 cups grape juice About 5 pounds Concord grapes worth
- 5 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box pectin This Recipe uses MCP Brand
- 1/4 tsp butter optional- this is added to reduce foaming
Servings: cupsInstructions- Gather supplies, wash jars, and simmer lids.
- Add juice and pectin in a large pot. Heat on High. Stir until pectin is dissolved. Add butter if desired. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Stir in full measure of sugar all at once.
- Return to a full roiling boil that can't be stirred down and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Ladle into clean glass jars. I like to use pints for my family, because we go through it fast, and pretty half pints for gifts.
- Wipe rims. Place lids (that have been simmered) on jars and screw bands over the top, finger tip tight.
- Process for 5 minutes, adjusting time to your altitude. Remove jars and cool completely, then let stand for 24 hours.
- Keeps about a year, if it doesn't get devoured by then.
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Jelly is set and I’m hungry!
Bring on the hot fresh bread and peppermint tea.*Do you have a special family tradition that makes your heart happy?*
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What a fun and special tradition of picking grapes! This recipe looks fabulous!
My girls love grape jelly so I will save this to make for them next year when I have some empty jars (mine are full of Peach Vanilla Cinnamon jam right now). Family traditions are so important. You can share with your children the fun and wonderful memories that you had when little, and make some new ones with them doing the same things.
Aliza B recently posted…Oh So Delicious Black Bottom Cupcakes
Peach vanilla cinnamon sounds wonderful!