How to Make Homemade Orange Marmalade or Jelly for Holiday Gifts

Making homemade orange marmalade or jelly is a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday gifts. With its sweet yet slightly tart flavor, orange marmalade or jelly can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, or even as a glaze for meats. In this article, we'll go over the steps to make your own homemade orange marmalade or jelly.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of Florida oranges
• 4 cups of water
• 4 cups of sugar
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• Cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the oranges. Use a zester or vegetable peeler to remove the orange peel, being careful to avoid the white pith underneath.

2. Cut the peeled oranges into small pieces, discarding any seeds. Place the orange pieces in a large pot with the water and bring to a boil.

3. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the orange pieces are soft and the liquid has reduced by about half.

4. While the orange mixture is simmering, prepare the cheesecloth by cutting it into a square that's large enough to hold the orange peels.

5. Once the orange mixture has simmered for an hour, use a potato masher to crush the orange pieces and release any remaining juice.

6. Pour the mixture through the cheesecloth and into a bowl, making sure to press down on the cheesecloth to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solid pieces of orange.

7. Return the strained liquid to the pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. Heat the mixture on low, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.

8. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture boil, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the gel stage. To test if the mixture has reached the gel stage, dip a metal spoon into the mixture and let it cool slightly. If the mixture forms a gel-like consistency on the spoon, it's ready.

9. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.

10. Ladle the hot marmalade or jelly into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Screw on the lids and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

11. After processing, remove the jars from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Store the jars in a cool, dark place until you're ready to give them as gifts.

Conclusion:

Making homemade orange marmalade or jelly is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your holiday gifts. By following these simple steps and using fresh Florida oranges, you can create a delicious and unique gift that your friends and family will love. Whether enjoyed on toast, crackers, or as a glaze for meats, homemade orange marmalade or jelly is a versatile treat that's perfect for the holiday season.

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