HOMEMADE WATERMELON JELLY

Steps:

• Prepare jars and lids by boiling in water for about 10 minutes.
• Using the red part of the watermelon, remove the seeds and cube. Place in a blender or food processor and blend well. The four cups of cubed watermelon should yield 2 cups of juice/puree, add or remove juice to equal 2 cups. At this point the juice can be strained, I don't strain my juice.
• Juice lemons to get 3 tablespoons, fresh squeezed is best. Bottled is not as good tasting but will work. Add the zest of one lemon to the lemon juice, the amount of zest is approximate for a lemon, set aside. The zest can be optional, so don't worry about it if you are using bottled lemon juice.
• In a separate container mix 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar with the package of dry no sugar pectin, I use 100% Natural Sure Jell Premium Fruit Pectin (1.75 ounces per package or 4 tablespoons). Open another box, measure and add 1 tablespoon additional, mix sugar and pectin well, set aside.
• Measure out the other 3 cups of sugar in a separate container, and set it aside, close to the cooking area.
• Pour the 2 cups of watermelon juice/puree into a large stainless steel pot (Dutch Oven size). Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and zest to the watermelon juice.
• Stir in the sugar pectin mixture and bring to a hard boil. The heat will be on medium high to high at this point (depending on your stove). I like to use a whisk to constantly stir the mixture until it boils. Reaching the boiling stage should take between 5-10 minutes, keep stirring.
• Add the remaining 3 cups of sugar and bring back to a hard boil, stirring or whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Fill prepared jars about 1/4 inch from the top. Wipe the rim of jars and place lids and rings to the jars. Seal in prepared jars, approximately (8) 1/2 pint jars, (16) 1/4 pint jars, or (4) pint jars.
• Place filled jars in a boiling hot water bath with about 1 inch of water covering the top of the jars. If you do not have a canner use a large stock pot with a towel in the bottom. Do not let the jars touch. Boil gently for about 10 minutes. Remove jars and set away from draft to cool. I place towel lined cookie sheet in the cold oven and let the jars cool in the oven with the door closed. Make sure that the jars have sealed before storing.
• The jelly is good for about 12 months, but is best the first 6 months. The color and consistency may change the longer it is stored. Use as you would with any other jelly, this is a great icing for a yellow cake.
• Optional: If you are making several batches and you want them a little different, add whole spices (allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger etc.).