Wild Mustang Grape Jelly (Easy Recipe)

Welcome to my kitchen!

Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes for Wild Mustang Grape Jelly.

This jam is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a deep, rich flavor that comes from the wild grape juice.

Making your own jam is not only economical, but it also allows you to taste the fruits of your labor, literally!

Plus, nothing beats the feeling of being able to share a homemade jar of jelly with friends and family.

So, let’s get started!

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Wild Mustang Grape Jelly Recipe

1. It’s made from wild grapes: Wild Mustang grapes are loaded with bold flavors that are unlike any store-bought grapes. Their tartness and sweetness are perfectly balanced, making the jelly an irresistible treat for any grape lover.
2. It’s low in calories: Unlike other sugary jams and jellies, Wild Mustang Grape Jelly is made with less sugar, resulting in a healthier spread that is low in calories and guilt-free.
3. It’s versatile: Whether you spread it on toast, stir it into yogurt or oatmeal, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats, this jelly is a versatile ingredient that can be savored in many ways.
4. It’s easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, a little bit of time, and some patience, you can create a delicious homemade jam that will impress your guests.
5. It makes a great gift: Homemade Wild Mustang Grape Jelly makes a wonderful gift for any occasion, from holidays to housewarming parties. With its beautiful color and flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes it.

Essential Equipment

• Large saucepot: You’ll need a large, heavy-based saucepot to cook the grape juice, lemon juice, and pectin.
• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is essential for stirring the jelly mixture as it cooks.
• Canning jars: You’ll need jars with tight-fitting lids for storing your jelly.
• Canning pot: A canning pot is used to sterilize the jars and seal them properly.
• Funnel and ladle: A funnel and ladle make it much easier to transfer the jelly from the pot to the jars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 3/4 cups of Mustang Grape juice: The key ingredient in this jelly, Mustang grape juice adds a unique, tangy and sweet flavor to the jelly. You can use fresh or thawed frozen grapes to make the juice.
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a zesty flavor to the jelly and helps to cut through the sweetness.
• 1 box Sure Gel powdered pectin: Pectin is a natural ingredient that helps the jelly to thicken, giving it the characteristic jelly texture.
• 7 cups of sugar: Although it may seem like a lot of sugar, it’s required for the jelly to set and for that perfect consistency that we all love.

How To Make Wild Mustang Grape Jelly

1. Prepare your jars: Before making your jelly, sterilize your jars and set them aside.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large saucepot, combine the grape juice, lemon juice, and pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil while constantly stirring.
3. Add sugar: Once the mixture is boiling, add the sugar all at once, stirring well to combine.
4. Boil and stir: Keep stirring the mixture and bring it back to a full rolling boil, then continue to boil rapidly for 1 minute exactly.
5. Fill jars: Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Using a funnel and ladle, pour the jelly into the hot sterilized jars, filling each jar to 1/8 inch from the top.
6. Seal the jars: Place sterilized tops and rings on jars and tighten rings firmly, but not as tight as you can.
7. Canning process: Place jars in a canner rack and lower it into gently boiling water. The water should cover the tops of the jars by at least two inches. If necessary, add more water.
8. Boil jars: Place the lid on the canner and continue to gently boil the jars for 5 minutes.
9. Remove and cool: Carefully remove jars from the canner and place them upright on a towel-lined countertop or cooling rack. Leave the jars to cool completely. As the jars cool, they may make a popping sound, indicating they are sealing properly.
10. Check the seal: Once the jars are completely cool, check the seals by pressing the top of the lids. If the lid pops back and forth, the lid is not sealed. You can use immediately, but refrigerate. For properly sealed jars, you can store them in a cool and dark place for up to a year.

5 Expert Tips and Tricks for The BEST Jelly

• Use fresh, fully ripened grapes to extract the most juice and flavor for your jelly.
• Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper set and to avoid crystallization.
• The jelly mixture will foam up while cooking, and if you don’t skim it off, it will make the jelly cloudy. Skim it off the top with a spoon or spatula.
• Use a splatter guard or cover the pot with a lid while boiling the jelly to minimize mess and bubbling.
• This recipe is suitable for beginners, but it’s important to be extra careful when handling hot liquids and jars during canning.

Uses for Wild Mustang Grape Jelly

1. Spread it on toast or biscuits for a sweet, refreshing breakfast.
2. Use it as a glaze for roasted meat or vegetables.
3. Mix it into your salad dressing for a sweet and tangy twist.
4. Top your pancakes with Wild Mustang Grape Jelly instead of maple syrup for a unique breakfast.
5. Stir into plain yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious snack.

Recipe Variations

• Add some finely chopped walnuts to the jelly mixture for a nutty twist.
• Substitute regular sugar with brown sugar for a richer, more caramelized flavor.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a pop of citrus.
• Mix in some cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for a spiced grape jelly.
• Add a splash of red wine to the mixture for an adult twist.

Substitutions

• For those who are looking for a healthier option, replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or Stevia.
• Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or white vinegar.
• You can use any type of grape to make this jelly. If wild Mustang grapes are not available, try Concord grapes or even seedless grapes.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Store the jelly in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight, for up to a year.
• If you need to store the jelly for longer, you can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
• To reheat the jelly, microwave it for a few seconds or place the jar in a pot of warm water until it becomes soft and spreadable again.