A bit more of Lavender-can you really have too much?

I have made this wonderful jelly. It is easy as far as jellies go & makes a wonderful gift, IF you can bear to part with it.


Lavender Jelly

3 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup dried lavender flowers bundled in cheesecloth or muslin teabag. If you do not have this just strain the liquid to remove the flowers.Juice of one lemon (approximately 1/4 cup)
1 (1 3/4-ounces) box powdered pectin or 1 pouch (3-ounces) liquid pectin
4 cups sugar

In a large saucepan over high heat bring water just to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in dried lavender flowers, and let steep for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, either strain mixture into a deep kettle or pot & discarding the lavender flowers, or remove muslin or cheesecloth bag, squeezing it well to remove as much liquid as possible . Stir in lemon juice and pectin. This is where the magic happens & the liquid turns pale pink! Continue stirring until the pectin is dissolved.

Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil; add sugar. When the jelly solution returns to a hard rolling boil, let it boil for 2 to 4 minutes (see below), stirring occasionally.

Boil Times:
2 minutes - soft gel
4 minutes - medium gel

Testing for "jell" - Keep a metal tablespoon sitting in a glass of ice water, then take a half spoonful of the mix and let it cool to room temperature on the spoon.  If it thickens up to the consistency desired, then the jelly is ready.  If not, mix in a bit more pectin (about 1 teaspoon to 1/2 of another package) and bring it to a boil again for 1 minute.

After boiling, transfer the jelly into hot sterilized jars. Fill them to within 1/4 inch of the top, wipe any spilled jam off the top with clean cloth, seat the lid and tighten the ring around them. Process in open kettle water bath.

Makes five 1/2 pints. 

Easy peasy & beautiful on the shelf. On fresh bread or biscuits..mmmmmmm