Once upon a sunny afternoon, I found myself wandering through a vibrant farmer’s market. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh fruits and flowers. Among the colorful stalls, a small booth caught my eye, overflowing with citrus fruits and sprigs of lavender. The vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile, shared stories of her grandmother’s preserved jellies. Inspired by her tales, I decided to create a unique jelly that blended the zesty brightness of citrus with the delicate floral notes of lavender. The result? A delightful Sun-Kissed Citrus and Lavender Jelly that dances on the palate and brightens any table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh orange juice
- 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) of fruit pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Additional lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by combining the fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and dried lavender in a medium saucepan. Allow the mixture to steep over low heat for about 10 minutes, letting the floral notes infuse the citrus. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, but do not let it boil. Once the time is up, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the lavender buds, pressing gently to extract every drop of flavor. You should be left with a fragrant citrus-lavender juice.
Return the strained juice to the saucepan and add the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the fruit pectin, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Follow the instructions on the pectin package for any additional boiling time needed.
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal. Place the lids on the jars and allow them to cool at room temperature.
As the jelly cools, the aroma of citrus and lavender will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. Once completely cooled, store the jars in the refrigerator. This jelly not only makes a delightful spread on toast but also serves as a stunning topping for desserts or as an elegant addition to cheese platters.
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh lavender sprigs when serving. Each bite is a reminder of that sunlit afternoon at the market, bringing a taste of joy to every meal.