RECIPE FOR MESQUITE BEAN JELLY

BY: Jim Rich

            Ingredients;

          1 1/2 gal. Mesquite beans
          1 c. or 18 oz. bottle lemon juice
          4 qts. Water
          1 box sure jell
          7 c. sugar

 

Choose ripe mesquite beans with a red tinge, but without insect holes. Pick beans only from tree; do not use beans on the ground. Wash and break into pieces 1 to 1 1/2 in. long; Cook beans for one hour in 4 quarts water. Drain and save juice. Place 5 cups of juice in a pan; add lemon juice and boil 5 minutes. Continue boiling and stirring constantly while adding 1 box sure jell and sugar. Bring back to roiling boil, Cook 5 minutes longer. Strain through cheese cloth and pour into jelly jars. This makes an amber colored jelly. (you can add a few drops of red food coloring for a red jelly)

 NOTE: ( you have to work quickly here before juice cools.) 

Ladle quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads.

Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Turn jars upside-down for 5 minutes, then turn upright and let stand for 24 hours.

 

    If you try this recipe please e-mail me and let me know whether or not you like it. Thanks. click for email