Create a unique and flavorful treat with this Mountain Dew Jelly! This fun and vibrant jelly is perfect for spreading on toast, using in desserts, or even as a sweet topping for pancakes and waffles.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🥤 2 cups Mountain Dew
- 🍋 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 🍬 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 🌾 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
📝 Directions:
- Prepare the Jars:
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until ready to use.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large pot, combine the Mountain Dew and lemon juice. Gradually stir in the powdered pectin, making sure it dissolves completely.
- Boil the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is one that cannot be stirred down.
- Add the Sugar:
- Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, add the granulated sugar all at once. Stir to dissolve the sugar, and return the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Boil Again:
- Boil the mixture hard for 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Remove the pot from heat.
- Skim Foam:
- If necessary, skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the jelly using a metal spoon.
- Fill the Jars:
- Carefully ladle the hot jelly into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
- Process the Jars:
- Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal. Adjust the processing time if you are at a high altitude.
- Cool and Store:
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack. You should hear the lids pop as they seal. Once cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid; if it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Makes about 4 cups of jelly
💡 Notes:
- Make sure to use regular Mountain Dew, not a diet or sugar-free version, as the sugar content is crucial for the setting process.
- This recipe can be adapted to other soft drinks for different flavors.
- For an added twist, you can infuse the jelly with a bit of lime zest for extra zing.