Prickly Pear Jelly is a success. That said? Canning is a much smarter hobby to take up during the WINTER.
Ingredients:
8 – 10 prickly pears, washed and sliced crosswise
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup lime juice
1 package fruit pectin
5 cups sugar
Zest of 1 lime
Directions:
Place the fruit in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
Mash the fruit and pour mixture into a cheesecloth or jelly bag. Allow juice to stand for at least 1 hour until sediment settles to the bottom. Discard the pulp, pour off the clear liquid and reserve, and discard the cloudy sediment.
Combine the prickly pear liquid, lime juice, and pectin in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and lime zest. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, skim, pour into sterilized jars, and seal.
Source: Martha Stewart, via my friend Diane.
~K