Prickly Pear Cactus Jelly

It's prickly pear fruit season here. I really enjoy spending the day gathering the fruit. The jelly is a bonus. :)







I wash the fruit, remove any dead blossoms or thorns by using a brush or even paper towels.

I steam the fruit until tender...with just enough water too keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

I crush the fruit and strain the juice....

I strain the juice through cheesecloth...

For 2 1/2 cups of juice you need

1 pkg of powdered pectin

3 TBs of lemon juice

3 1/2 cups of sugar
red food coloring (optional)

I add the pectin to the juice...bring to a boil stirring constantly...

Add the lemon juice, food coloring and sugar, bring to a hard boil. Boil for 3 minutes stirring constantly.

Remove from heat, skim off foam and fill sterilized jars...

Process in water bath for 10 minutes...

Nothing better than a hot biscuit topped with some prickly pear cactus jelly......

The best part is enjoying the jelly through out the winter months. Each bite reminds me of summer and the fun I had gathering the fruit. :)