Bergamot Jelly is a traditional American recipe for a classic clear jelly made from apples that's flavoured with bergamot (bee balm) leaves and has a single bergamot leaf embedded in the preserve to decorate. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic American version of: Bergamot Jelly.
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Ingredients:
2.25kg cooking apples, washed and roughly chopped
juice of 3 lemons
1 bunch of bergamot (bee balm) leaves only
1 bergamot leaf to decorate each jar
75g sugar per 100ml liquid
Method:
Place the apples and the bergamot leaves in a heavy-bottomed saucepan along with just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, until very soft.
Pour into a jelly bag or a sieve lined with several layers of muslin and allow to drain into a bowl (do not be tempted to squeeze the bag as this will only make the jelly cloudy).
The following morning discard the fruit (I tend to freeze them to make pies later) then measure the volume of the liquid and add 75g sugar per 100ml of fluid.
Place the juice, lemon juice and the sugar in a saucepan, heat through then add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook rapidly for about 15 minutes. Test for setting by placing a plate in the fridge. Spoon a little of the jelly onto the plate, allow to cook then move it with your fingernail. If a crinkly skin forms then the jelly is ready. If not continue boiling for 5 minutes more and test again.
Skim the surface then ladle into sterilized jars that have been warmed in an oven set to 100°C for 5 minutes. Allow 1cm of head space then place a whole bergamot leaf in each jar so it sets in the jelly. Secure the lid, allow to cool, label and store.
This is excellent when served with mutton or lamb and makes a refreshing breakfast spread.
