- Prepare the jars: Wash your jelly jars and lids thoroughly. Keep the jars hot until you’re ready to fill them.
- Combine the juices: Pour the apple juice and lemon juice into a large pot. Stir in the powdered pectin until completely dissolved.
- Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently.
- Add the sugar: Add all the sugar at once and stir constantly until it dissolves.
- Add the candy: Stir in the red-hot cinnamon candies. Continue cooking at a rolling boil until the candies completely melt and the mixture reaches a full boil again.
- Boil the jelly: Once it reaches a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add flavor: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon extract and a few drops of red food coloring if you want an especially vibrant red color.
- Fill the jars: Carefully ladle the hot jelly into hot, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean and place the lids on top.
- Process: Process the filled jars in a boiling-water canner according to a tested canning procedure appropriate for your altitude and jar size.
- Cool: Remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed. Once completely cool, check that the lids have sealed properly.
The finished jelly should have a gorgeous bright-red color and a sweet apple flavor with that unmistakable cinnamon-candy taste.
Serving idea: Spread it over warm biscuits or toast, or use it as a sweet glaze for baked ham or pork. It also makes a beautiful homemade gift during the holidays. 🍎❤️
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