Sweet Tea Jelly

Many people adore sweet tea, and now you can enjoy it in a whole new way with Sweet Tea Jelly. This delightful jelly captures the essence of your favorite beverage, making it perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or even gifting to friends and family. Its unique flavor profile and versatility make it suitable for various occasions—from breakfast tables to holiday celebrations. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this sweet treat is sure to become a staple in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious jelly that anyone can enjoy.
• Versatile Uses: Spread it on bread, mix it into yogurt, or use it in desserts—the possibilities are endless!
• Year-Round Delight: Enjoy the taste of sweet tea regardless of the season.
• Gift-Worthy: Homemade jelly makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
• Natural Ingredients: Made with real tea and fruit juice, this jelly is a wholesome option.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth canning process. Having everything ready will help you focus on making delicious Sweet Tea Jelly without any hiccups.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Ladle
• Cheese cloth or coffee filter
• Canning jars (1/2 pint)
• Boiling water canner

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for combining ingredients and boiling the mixture to achieve the right consistency.
• Ladle: Makes transferring the jelly into jars easier while minimizing mess.
• Canning jars: These keep your Sweet Tea Jelly fresh and safe for later enjoyment.
• Boiling water canner: Ensures that your jars are properly sealed during processing.

Ingredients

To make your very own Sweet Tea Jelly, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of steeped tea
• 4 cups of sugar
• 4 tea bags (regular-sized, not family size)
• One pouch of liquid pectin
• 1/4 cup of bottled lemon juice

How to Make Sweet Tea Jelly

Step 1: Steep the Tea

• Begin by steeping four regular-sized tea bags in 2 1/2 cups of boiling water for twelve hours before you want to prepare your jelly. This allows for maximum flavor extraction.

Step 2: Prepare the Tea Mixture

• Remove the tea bags from the steeped mixture without pinching them.
• Strain the tea through a cheese cloth or cone filter into a large pot until you have two cups of clear tea.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Place the measured two cups of tea in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add all four cups of sugar at once and stir continuously until fully dissolved.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Pectin

• Stir in 1/4 cup of bottled lemon juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil for one minute.
• Open the pouch of liquid pectin and pour it into the pot, boiling for one additional minute.

Step 5: Skim Foam

• Remove the pot from heat and skim off any bubbles or foam that rise to the surface. This step is crucial as bubbles can cloud your jelly.

Step 6: Jar Up Your Jelly

• Using a ladle, fill sterilized 1/2 pint jars with the hot jelly while leaving about 1/4 head space at the top.
• Wipe any dribbles off the rims before adding lids and rings securely.

Step 7: Process Jars

• Place jars in a boiling water canner and process them for ten minutes.
• After processing, remove them carefully and let sit undisturbed for 24 hours to ensure proper sealing.

This Sweet Tea Jelly will not only tantalize your taste buds but also add charm to your kitchen! Enjoy experimenting with this delightful recipe!

How to Serve Sweet Tea Jelly

Sweet Tea Jelly is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it as a glaze, this jelly offers a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

On Toast or Biscuits

• Toasted Bread: Spread Sweet Tea Jelly on warm, toasted bread for a sweet breakfast.
• Flaky Biscuits: Slather it on freshly baked biscuits for a comforting southern-style snack.

As a Glaze

• Grilled Chicken: Brush Sweet Tea Jelly over grilled chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables to enhance their natural sweetness.

In Desserts

• Cheesecake Topping: Drizzle Sweet Tea Jelly over cheesecake for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a refreshing parfait.

How to Perfect Sweet Tea Jelly

Creating the perfect Sweet Tea Jelly is all about precision and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your jelly turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tea bags and lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements of tea, sugar, and pectin are crucial for achieving the right consistency.
• Avoid Pinching Tea Bags: Don’t pinch the tea bags while removing them; this prevents bitterness from seeping into the jelly.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Ensure jars are sterilized before use to avoid contamination.
• Skim Foam Thoroughly: Skimming off bubbles will give your jelly a clear appearance without cloudiness.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Tea Jelly

Pairing Sweet Tea Jelly with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its unique flavor.

1. Savory Scones: These buttery scones provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the jelly.
2. Cream Cheese Spread: A creamy spread enhances the sweetness and adds richness when served with crackers.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic sandwich takes on an exciting twist when paired with Sweet Tea Jelly on the side.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad complements the flavors, adding brightness to your meal.
5. Pancakes or Waffles: Use Sweet Tea Jelly as an alternative syrup for an exciting breakfast option.
6. Mixed Green Salad: Drizzle over mixed greens with nuts and cheese for an unexpected sweet touch in salads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sweet Tea Jelly, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Tea Steeping Time: Not allowing the tea bags to steep long enough can result in weak flavor. Make sure to steep for a full 12 hours for robust taste.
• Pinching the Tea Bags: Pinching the tea bags while removing them releases tannins that can make the jelly bitter. Always remove them gently without squeezing.
• Not Skimming Foam: Failing to skim off any foam after boiling can lead to cloudy jelly. Take a moment to carefully remove bubbles before canning.
• Ignoring Headspace in Jars: Filling jars too full can cause spills during processing. Leave at least 1/4 headspace to ensure proper sealing.
• Skipping Sterilization of Jars: Using unsterilized jars can lead to spoilage. Always sterilize jars before filling them with jelly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Sweet Tea Jelly in sterilized jars with tight lids.
• It will last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Tea Jelly

• If you want longer storage, place jelly in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to a year.

Reheating Sweet Tea Jelly

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place jars in a baking dish with water and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour jelly into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring gently until it reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sweet Tea Jelly?

Sweet Tea Jelly is a delightful spread made by combining brewed tea, sugar, and pectin. It captures the sweet and refreshing flavors of iced tea.

How do I use Sweet Tea Jelly?

You can use Sweet Tea Jelly as a spread on toast, biscuits, or muffins. It also pairs well with desserts or as an ingredient in glazes.

Can I customize my Sweet Tea Jelly?

Yes! You can experiment by adding different flavored teas or herbs like mint for unique variations.

How long does homemade Sweet Tea Jelly last?

Homemade Sweet Tea Jelly lasts about 3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to a year if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Tea Jelly is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any time of year. Its sweet flavor and smooth texture complement various dishes beautifully. Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences and enjoy this delightful treat!

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Sweet Tea Jelly

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings (from about six half-pint jars) 1x

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Description

Sweet Tea Jelly is a delightful and refreshing treat that brings the classic flavors of sweet tea into a jar. This homemade jelly captures the essence of your favorite beverage, making it perfect for spreading on toast or using as a unique glaze for various dishes. With its bright, sweet profile and simple ingredients, Sweet Tea Jelly is not only an easy recipe to follow but also an excellent gift option for friends and family. Whether you enjoy it at breakfast or as part of a dessert, this jelly will become a staple in your kitchen, adding a touch of southern charm to any meal.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups steeped tea
• 4 cups sugar
• 4 regular-sized tea bags
• 1 pouch liquid pectin
• 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Steep four regular-sized tea bags in 2.5 cups boiling water for twelve hours to extract maximum flavor.
2. Remove tea bags without pinching them and strain through cheese cloth into a large pot until you have two cups of clear tea.
3. Over medium heat, combine two cups of tea and four cups of sugar; stir until fully dissolved.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice and bring to a boil for one minute before adding pectin. Boil for one additional minute.
5. Skim off any foam from the surface and ladle the jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving about 1/4" headspace.
6. Process jars in a boiling water canner for ten minutes. Let sit undisturbed for 24 hours to seal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 49
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg