Capture the essence of winter in a jar with this Cranberry Orange Jelly. Each spoonful boasts a beautiful balance of tangy cranberries and the sunny zest of oranges, offering a refreshing contrast to the chilly season. Perfect for spreading on morning toast, topping pancakes, or even giving as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays, this jelly is as versatile as it is flavorful. Let your taste buds dance with each sweet and zesty bite!
Rinse the cranberries under cold water, picking out any stems or blemished berries.
Zest the oranges and juice them, setting aside both the zest and the juice.
In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the cranberries have burst and softened, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.
Return the strained juice to a clean saucepan and add the orange zest, sugar, and pectin. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil hard for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the sugar and pectin are dissolved.
Remove from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
Pour the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and apply lids and bands.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool at room temperature for 24 hours before storing.
Label and date the jars. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening.