Lilac Dreams Homemade Lilac Jelly
Table of Contents
Lilac Dreams: Homemade Lilac Jelly
Fancy making something magical? Have you ever considered capturing spring in a jar? This lilac jelly recipe does just that.
Honestly, it's like bottling a sweet floral perfume. We're talking about something subtly sweet and aromatic. Think of it slathered on a warm scone.
Who could resist?
A Taste of Spring: What's the Buzz About Lilac Jelly?
Floral jelly recipe ? Absolutely! Lilac jelly is pretty special. It's been around for ages. It adds a unique twist to traditional jellies.
This edible flower jelly is mostly European tradition. It's a simple way to use flowers from your garden. In the English culture afternoon, we usually serve this with clotted cream during tea.
This easy lilac jelly is doable for anyone. It'll take you about 4 hours from start to finish. And that includes the steeping time! You'll end up with enough for about four jars.
Why You'll Adore This Lilac Jelly
What are the benefits of lilac flower recipes ? Well, apart from tasting incredible, lilacs are thought to have calming properties! So, a spoonful of this lilac jelly might just chill you out.
Picture this: It's a sunny afternoon. You're serving lilac jelly for scones with a pot of Earl Grey. It's the perfect touch for that special occasion.
It’s more than just a recipe. It's an experience!
So, what makes this homemade jelly recipe so special? The taste, of course. And the fact you made it yourself.
Also, this lilac infused recipe is a game changer. You will be the talk of the town.
Time to Gather Your Supplies
Ready to make some magic? We will need lilacs. Of course, sugar and pectin are needed. As well as a little lemon.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Lilac Jelly Recipe
Right, so you wanna make lilac jelly ? Ace! Let's talk about what you'll actually need. We’re making a proper homemade jelly recipe here, something special.
I’ve tweaked this over time so that it suits us normal folk, you know? Nothing too fancy!
Main Ingredients: Bloom to Jelly, step-by-step
First up, the lilac infusion . You'll need 4 cups (950ml) of super fragrant lilac blossoms. Make sure they’re Lilac vulgaris and haven't been sprayed with anything nasty.
Honestly, the quality of the lilacs makes all the difference! Avoid the green bits. Then, get 4 cups (950ml) of boiling water and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of fresh lemon juice.
Next, for the jelly itself: you’ll need 4 cups (950ml) of that lilac tea we just made. Plus, 4 cups (800g) of granulated sugar and 1 packet (1.
75 oz / 49g) of powdered pectin the kind particularly for jellies. I tried to make lilac jelly without pectin once, it was a disaster zone.
Don't do it.
Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Flavor
For this floral jelly recipe , keep it simple. Lemon juice is essential to brighten things up. The lilac blossoms themselves bring the main flavour.
You could add a tiny pinch of cardamom for a little warmth, but honestly, the lilac should be the star! I’ve seen some folks use lavender, but that really changes the game makes it a completely different edible flower jelly .
Quick sub? If you can't find fresh lemon, bottled will do, but fresh is always better, innit?
Equipment Needed: Keepin' it Simple
You don't need a ton of gear for this easy lilac jelly venture. You'll definitely want a big heatproof bowl.
A fine mesh sieve is vital for straining the flowers. A large saucepan is needed, duh.
A candy thermometer helps, but it's not crucial. You'll also need sterilized canning jars - four 8-ounce ones should do it - with lids and rings, especially if you're thinking about canning lilac jelly .
I also find a jar lifter is really helpful saves you burning your fingers, yeah? As an alternative, be very careful if you don't have a jar lifter.
Right, that's the kit. Get your bits together, and let's make some lilac jelly ! It's fantastic on scones, trust me. Perfect for lilac jelly for scones .
Lilac Dreams: Homemade Lilac Jelly
Fancy a taste of spring? Imagine spreading a delicately floral lilac jelly on a warm scone. It's just the ticket.
I'm gonna show you how to make this homemade jelly recipe without loads of faff. This floral jelly recipe captures the beautiful, fleeting taste of lilac flower recipes , and turns them into something delicious.
Difficulty? Medium, I reckon. The main thing is prepping the flowers right, otherwise you can end up with a bitter taste. But honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential Mise en Place
First things first, get everything prepped. It saves so much time later, trust me. You'll need 4 cups of lilac blossoms , 4 cups of boiling water , 2 tablespoons of lemon juice , 4 cups of infused lilac tea , 4 cups of sugar , and 1 packet of pectin .
Time Saving Organization Tips
Measure out your sugar and pectin beforehand. That way, when you're at the stove, you won't be scrambling around. Sterilise your jars before you start.
It ensures your jelly doesn't spoil. I always sterilise mine in the dishwasher on a hot cycle, you know.
Safety Reminders
Be careful when handling boiling water and hot jelly. Use oven gloves.
step-by-step Process: From Blossom to Brilliance
- Prep Blossoms: Snip off the lilac blossoms. Remove the stems and any green bits. Rinse them gently and pat them dry.
- Infuse: Put the blossoms in a bowl. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over them. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice . This is crucial for flavour and preservation.
- Steep: Cover the bowl and leave it to steep. Do this for at least 2 hours , or overnight for extra flavour. Honestly, it's worth the wait.
- Strain: Strain the lilac infusion through a sieve. Make sure you catch all the liquid. Chuck away the flowers.
- Combine: Put the infused tea in a pan. Add 4 cups of sugar and 1 packet of pectin . Stir well.
- Boil: Heat it up! Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Keep stirring. Cook until it reaches 220° F or 104° C . This takes about 5- 10 minutes .
- Jar: Pour the hot edible flower jelly into sterilised jars. Leave a little space at the top.
- Process : Boil your jars for 10 minutes, if you want to be sure your jelly has a long shelf life
Pro Tips: Secrets of a Jelly Jedi
Expert Techniques
Don't skip the lemon juice. It helps the jelly set. Also, use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong kind of pectin is the biggest mistake. Make sure it's for jellies. I’ve totally messed that up before. Nobody wants lilac jelly without pectin .
So there you have it! Give this easy lilac jelly a go, and let me know what you think. I love it lilac jelly for scones , a quintessential taste of British summer.
It is one of those lilac infused recipes that you will keep for life.
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you're ready to make some proper lilac jelly ? Fantastic! Making your own floral jelly recipe is easier than you think.
But before you dive in, let's cover some essential bits and bobs. Trust me, these little tips will make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions
Right then, how do you fancy serving up your edible flower jelly ?
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think simple but elegant. A dollop on a warm scone, next to a pot of clotted cream...heavenly. Or, try swirling it onto a cheese board with some mature cheddar for a right proper contrasting flavour sensation.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: A classic afternoon tea is a must. Pair your lilac jelly for scones with a cuppa Earl Grey or a refreshing glass of elderflower cordial. Seriously, give it a go, the floral notes complement each other perfectly.
Storage Tips
Storing your homemade jelly recipe properly is key. Nobody wants a mouldy mess!
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Once opened, keep your lilac jelly in the fridge. It should last for several weeks, but keep an eye on it.
- Freezing Options (if applicable): Freezing isn't ideal for jelly as it can affect the texture. Best to avoid it.
- Reheating Instructions: No reheating needed, just grab a spoon and dig in!
Variations
Fancy a little twist on the classic lilac jelly recipe ? Why not!
- Dietary Adaptations: For a lower sugar option, you could try using a sugar substitute and low-sugar pectin. But be aware it might slightly affect the set. This makes it ideal as part of your lilac infused recipes
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: While lilacs are the star, you could add a squeeze of lime juice to the infusion for an extra zing, or even a few sprigs of rosemary during the infusion for an earthy touch.
Nutrition Basics
Let's keep it real and straightforward.
- Simplified Nutrition Information: This easy lilac jelly is mostly sugar, let's be honest. Enjoy it as a treat, not a staple.
- Key Health Benefits: Lilacs themselves aren't packed with nutrients, but hey, they make you smile! And a happy heart is a healthy heart, right?
So there you have it! All you need to know to whip up your own batch of canning lilac jelly .
It might seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, with a bit of care and attention, you'll be impressing your mates with your skills in no time.
Happy lilac flower recipes making, and remember, a little bit of love goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My lilac jelly recipe turned out bitter. What went wrong?
Bitterness in lilac jelly usually comes from using too much of the green parts of the lilac flower, like the stems or leaves, or from over steeping the blossoms. Ensure you're only using the fragrant petals and that you don't steep them for longer than overnight. A little lemon juice can also help balance the flavour.
How do I know when my lilac jelly is ready and will actually set?
The easiest way is to use a candy thermometer; you're looking for 220°F (104°C). If you don't have one, the "wrinkle test" is your friend. Place a spoonful of the hot jelly on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's good to go! This ensures you avoid a runny jelly situation.
Can I use frozen lilac blossoms to make this lilac jelly recipe?
While fresh lilac blossoms are ideal for the best flavour, you can use frozen ones if you've got a stash. Just be aware that the flavour might be a little less intense. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
How long does homemade lilac jelly last, and how should I store it?
If you've properly processed your jars in a boiling water bath, your lilac jelly should be shelf stable for up to a year. If you haven't processed them, or once a jar is opened, store it in the fridge, where it should last for several weeks. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, like mold, before using.
I'm trying to cut down on sugar. Can I use less sugar in this lilac jelly recipe?
Reducing the amount of sugar significantly can affect the set of your jelly. If you want to use less sugar, it's best to use a special "low-sugar" or "no-sugar needed" pectin. Follow the instructions on the pectin package for the correct sugar-to-pectin ratio to ensure your lilac jelly still sets properly.
You might need to adjust the amount of lemon juice as well, so taste as you go!
What can I serve with lilac jelly? It sounds a bit "out there"!
Think of lilac jelly as a sophisticated jam! It's lovely on scones with clotted cream, a classic afternoon tea treat. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, providing a floral sweetness that balances the richness.
Don't be afraid to experiment a little dollop can elevate a simple piece of toast or even add a unique touch to a charcuterie board!
Lilac Dreams Homemade Lilac Jelly
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |