Lilac Jelly

Who would have even imagined??!!  

I blame my friend Jill....

Jill got me started down this jelly-making trail after she made Violet Jelly from the tiny violets she harvested from her yard.  I made fun of her, but then I got hooked on the idea of looking around the yard and making jelly out of whatever I had on hand!

Craziness, I know, but seriously, how cool!

source:  adapted from commonsensehome.com

2 c. packed lilac blossoms (no leaves, no stems)

2-1/2 c. boiling water

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice

1/2 t. butter

4 c. sugar

one box Sure-Jell powdered pectin

First, infuse blossoms in the boiling water:  place the blossoms in a heat resistant container and pour the boiling water over the blossoms.  Allow them to steep 8 hours or overnight.

When ready to can, sterilize four 8-oz. jars or eight 4-oz jars; keep hot.  Heat lids and rings in hot water; keep warm but not boiling.  Fill water bath canner* and bring to boil.

Strain the flowers out of the water using a sieve lined with a coffee filter.  Squeeze liquid out of the blossoms.  You should have approximately 2-1/4 c. infused water.  Add more water if needed.  

Place the flower infusion, lemon juice, butter, and pectin in a large heavy pot.  Bring to a rolling boil. Add sugar all at once; return to boil.  Boil for one minute, stirring constantly.  Skim foam if needed.  (The butter will help to reduce foaming.)  Remove from heat.

Ladle jelly into sterilized jars leaving 1/4" headspace.  Wipe rims clean and screw on lids.  Process for 10 minutes in water bath canner*.  Remove jars from canner and allow to cool before removing rings.

Yields four 8-oz. jars or eight 4-oz. jars

*Note:  I've been using a steam canner in place of a water bath canner and love it!!