Currant Jelly. Miss Kittie Smith. Recipe

Recipe for Currant Jelly

History and Fun Facts:

Currants have been cultivated for centuries and have a long history in Europe, particularly in countries like France and England. The recipe for currant jelly has its roots in French confectionery traditions, which emphasize the use of simple and high-quality ingredients to create delicious treats. Currant jelly, also known as red currant jelly, is a versatile condiment that can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes.

Currants are small berries that come in different colors, including red, black, and white. Red currants are the most commonly used for making jelly due to their vibrant color and tart flavor. The recipe for currant jelly often calls for a high sugar-to-juice ratio to balance the tartness of the currants and create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

The process of making currant jelly involves boiling the currant juice and sugar together, which helps to thicken the mixture and give it the desired jelly-like consistency. The addition of hot sugar to the boiling juice helps to dissolve the sugar quickly and evenly, ensuring a smooth texture. Currant jelly is typically boiled for a short period of time to preserve the fresh flavor and bright color of the currants.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of sugar
- 1 pint of currant juice

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Currant Juice: Rinse the currants thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. Place the currants in a saucepan and crush them gently with a fork or potato masher to release the juice. Heat the saucepan over low heat and cook the currants for about 10-15 minutes until they have softened and released their juice. Remove from heat and strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.

2. Boil the Juice: Pour the currant juice back into the saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Boil the juice for about 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

3. Add the Sugar: In a separate saucepan, heat the sugar over low heat until it is well heated but not caramelized. This step helps the sugar dissolve quickly in the currant juice.

4. Combine and Boil: Carefully add the hot sugar to the boiling currant juice, stirring continuously to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely. Continue to boil the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. Test for Doneness: To check if the jelly has reached the desired consistency, you can perform the "wrinkle" test. Place a small amount of jelly onto a chilled plate and let it cool for a few seconds. Push the jelly with your finger, and if it starts to wrinkle, it is ready. If not, continue boiling for a few more minutes and repeat the test.

6. Jar and Store: Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth, place the lids on top, and screw them tightly. Let the jars cool at room temperature for a few hours before storing them in the refrigerator. Currant jelly can be stored in the fridge for several months.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

Currant jelly can be used in a variety of recipes, adding a burst of tartness and sweetness. Here are some ideas for incorporating currant jelly into your culinary creations:

1. Glazes: Brush currant jelly over roasted poultry, pork, or ham for a flavorful and shiny glaze. The tartness of the jelly complements the richness of the meat.

2. Sandwiches: Spread currant jelly on bread as part of a sweet and savory sandwich. It pairs well with cured meats, cheeses, and even peanut butter.

3. Pastries: Use currant jelly as a filling for turnovers, thumbprint cookies, or Danish pastries. Its vibrant color and tangy taste make it an excellent choice for pastries.

4. Salad Dressings: Whisk currant jelly into a vinaigrette for a fruity twist. The sweetness of the jelly adds depth of flavor to your salads.

5. Sauce Accompaniment: Serve currant jelly alongside roasted meats or game to provide a tangy contrast to the savory flavors.

Remember, currant jelly is a deliciously versatile condiment that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to experience the wonderful taste of currant jelly in various culinary applications.