Elderberry Jelly

I just made a couple of batches of elderberry jelly last week.  We love how it tastes and it turns out it's good for you too! 

Elderberry Jelly

Makes 6 half-pints

3 cup elderberry juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 box powdered pectin


4 1/2 cups of sugar
 
 

Sterilize your jars in simmering water.  Put your lids in a small saucepan and pour boiling water over them off the heat. 
Meanwhile, begin heating your water bath canner to a boil.  Have a teapot with boiling water ready as well.
 
In a tall stockpot, mix the elderberry juice, lemon juice and pectin.  Heat until at a rolling boil (which cannot be stirred down).  Add the sugar and bring back to a hard boil for 1 minute.  Watch carefully, as it foams a lot.
 
Ladle the jelly into hot jars, leaving 1/4" headspace.  Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a soft towel.  Place lids and rings, and process in water bath canner for 5 minutes.  Remove and let cool.  You should hear a "ping" as the jars cool and seal.  Leave undisturbed for 24 hours.

Check for a good seal.  Remove rings and gently wash and dry the jars.  Label and store in a cool, dark place.

Enjoy!

Milk Bottles

We recently found a couple of old half-gallon glass milk bottles at a local shop (for only $5 each!).  I don't know what it is, but the milk just tastes better in a glass bottle.  The glass definitely holds the cold better.

However, they didn't have any kind of lid...so, I've been thinking of how to make a lid that would fit.  I'd thought of some sort of fabric/vinyl circle with an elastic edge.  Sort of like a very small shower cap, but that was a bust.  I just couldn't get it small enough and snug enough at the same time.  So right now, it's just a little dust cap of a lid.  Does anyone know of any resources for milk bottle caps (new ones)?

A Change in Attitude

I'm starting fresh with a new blog, here. Sometimes it is easier to start with a clean slate. I'm leaving my old blog Lamplight and beginning a new start here.

I'm drawn more and more to cooking and gardening these days. I'm sure there will still be some sewing and knitting around here, just not as the main focus anymore. And of course, everyone I know is interested in helping the budget go further!

So, let's go!