19th recipe Cranberry-Raspberry Jellies

Cranberry-Raspberry Jellies

From EatingWell:  October/November 2005

Deliciously addictive, these simple fruit candies have an intense cranberry-raspberry flavor and a consistency vaguely reminiscent of soft gumdrops. The individual candies are normally rolled in granulated sugar, but for a different, frosted look and smooth consistency, you can roll them in sifted powdered sugar instead.

• Recipe
• Add/Read Comments (0)

64 jellies

Active Time: 1 1/2 hours

Total Time: 12 1/2 hours (including 11 hours setting/resting time)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups thawed cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, divided
• 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin, (about 6 packets)
• 2 2/3 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen, thawed
• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cups granulated sugar, plus about 2/3 cup for dusting

• 
  

PREPARATION

1. Lightly coat an 8-inch-square baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with plastic wrap, allowing it to overhang by 2 inches on two sides. Lightly and evenly coat the plastic wrap all over with cooking spray (the candy will stick to any unsprayed areas).
2. Place 1/2 cup cranberry juice concentrate in a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over it and let stand, stirring once or twice.
3. Meanwhile, in a heavy, nonreactive (see Note) Dutch oven, stir together the remaining 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice concentrate, raspberries, cranberries, lemon zest, lemon juice and 3 cups sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring, over medium-high heat. Clip a candy thermometer to the pan, adjusting it so the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom. Boil briskly, stirring frequently, until the mixture cooks down slightly, 6 to 7 minutes. Lower the heat so the mixture boils gently and cook, stirring frequently, until it reaches 244°F, about 25 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Add the gelatin mixture (it will be very firm by now), stirring until it completely dissolves. Immediately pour the jelly mixture into a fine sieve set over a nonreactive bowl. Force through as much juice and pulp as possible using a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon; work briskly, as the mixture will thicken as it cools. Transfer the jelly to the prepared pan. Let stand, uncovered, on a cooling rack until completely set, 3 to 4 hours. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight, to reduce the stickiness before cutting.
5. Generously dust a large cutting board with granulated sugar. Holding the edges of the plastic, lift the jelly out of the pan. Lay the slab top-side down on the board. Peel off the plastic. Sprinkle the slab all over with some of the remaining 2/3 cup sugar. Using a lightly oiled large sharp knife, trim off and discard the slab edges all around, forming clean edges. Cut the piece lengthwise and crosswise into eighths or tenths, forming individual jelly squares, cleaning and re-oiling the knife as necessary. Roll each square in sugar until coated on all sides. Let the jellies stand, uncovered, to dry for 4 hours, or overnight. Once dry, dust with additional sugar, covering all surfaces. Store the jellies, not touching each other, in single layers separated by wax paper (or in paper candy cups), in a flat, wax paper-lined storage container in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.

TIPS & NOTES

• Make Ahead Tip: Store the jellies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature before serving. Equipment: Candy thermometer

NUTRITION

Per jelly: 71 calories; 0 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 gfiber; 1 mg sodium; 29 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (15% daily value).

Carbohydrate Servings: 1