1 (750-milliliter) bottle of Chardonnay for white jelly,
or 1 (750-milliliter) bottle of Pinot Noir for red jelly
4 cups sugar
3/4 cups water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, strained
1 (1-3/4 ounce) box powdered regular pectin, such as Ball 100 percent natural fruit pectin
6 (8-ounce) sterilized jelly jars
Paraffin wax, melted according to package directions for sealing jars
In a large bowl, combine wine and sugar; mix well and set aside. In a large pot, combine water and fresh lemon juice; add powdered pectin and stir mixture with a wooden spoon until most lumps have disappeared. Over medium-high heat, stir constantly until any remaining lumps are gone. While continuing to stir, bring mixture to a hard boil that cant be stirred down. Stir and cook mixture for one minute. Immediately add the wine-sugar mixture to the pot. Stir the jelly mixture just until sugar has dissolved and mixture is very, very hot (approximately 3 minutes); do not let jelly boil, or even approach a simmer. Remove from heat. Let mixture sit for about 3 to 4 minutes. Gently skim off any foam and discard. Ladle jelly into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. Seal jelly with melted paraffin (according to manufacturers directions.) Cool and label jars. Refrigerate.
Makes approximately 6 cups of jelly.
Versatile Ingredient:
Wine Jelly is great on scones and warm biscuits, but it can also be an ingredient when making salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.