QUEEN ANNE'S LACE FLOWER JELLY

Queen Anne's Lace Flower Jelly image

Provided by Kathie Carr

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 c very firmly packed queen anne's lace flower heads cut from the stems
if using roses, use only rose petals and cut off any white tip at end of petal, these can be bitter
4 3/4 c boiling water
3 1/2 c sugar, divided
2 pkg powdered pectin (like surejell)
4 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tiny drop red food color, optional

Steps:

1. Pick flowers in an area tha has NOT been sprayed and is NOT too close to the road so you do not get unwanted chemicals in your jelly. Be sure to cut flower heads so you are getting almost all flowers and no stem. Wash flowers to get our any bugs and dust. Pack flowers tightly to measure.
2. Drain and cover flowers with boiling water. Cover the container. Let stand, covered, at room temperature, for at least 5 hours or overnight. You are making a tea like liquid or infusion.
3. Prepare jars and lids for canning using boiling water to sterilize. Then prepare jars for jelly by setting upright on a clean towel and placing one small fresh flower or a few petals in each jar. Strain the infusion through cheese cloth. Measure 4 1/2 cups of the strained infusion into a large kettle. Stir together 1/4 cup sugar and the pectin and add to infusion. Add remaining sugar. Boil hard for 1 1/2-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and food coloring, if using. Skim the foam from the top of the jelly with a metal spoon. Immediately pour into hot, clean jars and cover with lids. Process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes at a full boil.