Apples and Cranberry : Jelly, Jam Gifts That Jibe With Season

These inexpensive gourmet jam and jelly gifts make use of seasonal apples and cranberries.

CHUNKY APPLE JAM

6 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples

1 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 (1 3/4-ounce) package powdered pectin

1 lemon, thinly sliced

4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Prepare home canning jars and lids according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Combine apples, water and lemon juice in large saucepan. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in pectin and bring to full, rolling boil, stirring frequently. Add lemon slices and sugar. Return to full, rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add nutmeg and cinnamon. Carefully pour hot mixture into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Adjust caps. Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath canner. Makes about 6 (8-ounce) jars.

CRANBERRY PORT JELLY

2 cups cranberry juice cocktail

3 1/2 cups sugar

1 pouch liquid fruit pectin

1/4 cup Port

Prepare home canning jars and lids according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Combine cranberry juice cocktail and sugar in large saucepan.Bring to full, rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add pectin and return to full, rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in Port. Skim off foam. Immediately ladle into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/8 inch head space. Adjust caps. Invert jar for a few seconds. Stand upright to cool. Makes 5 (8-ounce) jars.