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Pomegranate jelly made easy

Associated Press
Published October 20, 2004

Pomegranates have inspired poets, painters and sculptors with their rustic beauty, but it is their sweet taste with a hint of tartness that inspires chefs at this time of year.

Here's an easy pomegranate-jelly recipe, courtesy of the Pomegranate Council:

* Pour 2 cups of fresh pomegranate juice (from about 4 large pomegranates) into a 5-quart, nonreactive saucepan. Stir in 4 cups of sugar.

* Add 1/4 teaspoon of butter and stir constantly, bringing to a full boil over high heat.

* Quickly stir in 1 or 2 (3-ounce) pouches of liquid pectin (depending on the desired firmness), return to a full boil and boil exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat; skim off any foam.

* Immediately pour into hot, sterilized canning jars within 1/8 inch of the top. Cover with hot, sterilized lids. Cool, then refrigerate.

* To make jelly shelf-stable, process filled jars according to the instructions from the jar manufacturer. Makes about 5 cups.

Per 1 tablespoon serving: 55 calories; 0g protein; 0g fat; 0g saturated fat; 14g carbohydrate; 0g fiber; 0mg cholesterol; 0mg sodium.

MILK: Milk is commonly called for in baked goods and batters to moisten and tenderize them.

Unless otherwise noted, use regular milk not low or fat-free milks. Although the percentages may seem small, substituting lower-fat milks produce drier and tougher cakes and pastries.

GARLIC: If a clove has sprouted a green shoot, the garlic is relatively old and may be bitter.

You may, however, remove the shoot and use the clove.

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