1. Food & Drink

Discuss in my forum

Strawberry-Red Currant Preserves

Be the first to write a review

By , About.com Guide

Strawberry-Red Currant PreservesLeda Meredith
Ruby red, both tart and sweet, this preserve pairs strawberries and red currants perfectly. Both fruits are in season at the same time. Strawberries are low in pectin, but the currants, high in natural pectin, compensate for that. I make lots of this preserve to give as gifts because it seems to be a favorite with everyone!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Overnight in refrigerator: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours, 40 minutes
Yield: 6-7 1/2-pint jars
Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 lbs. hulled and quartered strawberries
  • 1 1/2 lbs. red currants
  • 2 lbs. sugar
  • juice of one lemon
Preparation:

Combine the strawberries, currants and sugar in a large container. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Place 7 half pint canning jars in canner or large pot and cover with water. Bring water to a boil, and boil for 15 minutes to sterilize the jars. Turn off the heat and leave the jars in the water until you are ready to fill them with preserves.

Scoop fruit and sugar into a large pot over medium heat. Add the lemon juice. Stir. When the sugar has completely dissolved, turn up the heat to high.

Allow the preserves to boil vigorously. Stir occasionally. The bubbles will go from small to large and start climbing the sides of the pot.

Test for gel point: Turn off the heat on the stove. Place a teaspoon of the preserves on a small plate and refrigerate for 1-2 minutes. The preserves should wrinkle when pushed from one side. If they do not, return the heat to high and test again in 5 minutes.

Ladle into the sterilized jars leaving 1/2-inch head space. Screw on 2-piece canning lids.

Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.