This Halloween I decided to put a little spin on the jams & jellies and make something a little 'ghoulish.' But I don't think anyone will really eat this, so I made something 'dead-easy' that didn't take a lot of time and will be fun to give to friends. You can use this jelly recipe for any jellies you make from bottled juice, but if you'd like a ghoulish idea here is the recipe for my 'eye-popping' jelly!
4 cups bottled white grape juice (I chose this flavor so you can see the eyeballs)
7 cups sugar
2 3oz. pouches liquid pectin
In an 8 qt. pan, over medium heat, heat the juice until warm. Add the sugar and heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Stir in the enter contents of both pectin pouches. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute (or also test the gelling point on a spoon - the jelly will sheet the spoon completely when gelled).
Quickly skim off any foam and immediately ladle the hot jelly into hot jars with the eyes already in the jar. The eyes will float when you pour the jelly in the jar, so push them down with a knife so you can measure there is 1/4 headspace between the jelly and the jar rim. Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp cloth. Cover with hot lids and apply screw rings. Flip the jars so the eyes float to the top and let set until the jelly is cool.
This jelly should be eaten (if your friends/family choose to eat it!) within a few weeks because the jars haven't been water processed. I think if it's eaten any later it could truly be 'ghoulish!'
Wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween.
