Homemade Watermelon Jelly

I based this recipe on the followin site: (http://www.PickYourOwn.org/watermelonjelly.htm) It worked fine for me. I know that when working with pectin, especially the liquid kind, the results can be iffy. I made double batches of this jelly and both times there was no problem with it jelling. I experimented with watermelon preserves and had a lot of the red fruit left over that I couldn't eat before it went bad. This is how I used up the whole watermelon, jelly and rind preserves. This jelly is so good to me!

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 8 half pints

Ingredients

• 4  cups watermelon
• 3  tablespoons lemon juice
• 2  teaspoons lemon zest
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1 (1 3/4ounce) package  dry pectin
• 1  tablespoon  dry pectin
• 3  cups sugar

Directions

1. Prepare jars and lids by boiling in water for about 10 minutes.
2. Using the red part of the watermelon, remove the seeds and cube. Place in a blender or food processor and blend well. The four cups of cubed watermelon should yield 2 cups of juice/puree, add or remove juice to equal 2 cups. At this point the juice can be strained, I don't strain my juice.
3. Juice lemons to get 3 tablespoons, fresh squeezed is best. Bottled is not as good tasting but will work. Add the zest of one lemon to the lemon juice, the amount of zest is approximate for a lemon, set aside. The zest can be optional, so don't worry about it if you are using bottled lemon juice.
4. In a separate container mix 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar with the package of dry no sugar pectin, I use 100% Natural Sure Jell Premium Fruit Pectin (1.75 ounces per package or 4 tablespoons). Open another box, measure and add 1 tablespoon additional, mix sugar and pectin well, set aside.
5. Measure out the other 3 cups of sugar in a separate container, and set it aside, close to the cooking area.
6. Pour the 2 cups of watermelon juice/puree into a large stainless steel pot (Dutch Oven size). Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and zest to the watermelon juice.
7. Stir in the sugar pectin mixture and bring to a hard boil. The heat will be on medium high to high at this point (depending on your stove). I like to use a whisk to constantly stir the mixture until it boils. Reaching the boiling stage should take between 5-10 minutes, keep stirring.
8. Add the remaining 3 cups of sugar and bring back to a hard boil, stirring or whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
9. Fill prepared jars about 1/4 inch from the top. Wipe the rim of jars and place lids and rings to the jars. Seal in prepared jars, approximately (8) 1/2 pint jars, (16) 1/4 pint jars, or (4) pint jars.
10. Place filled jars in a boiling hot water bath with about 1 inch of water covering the top of the jars. If you do not have a canner use a large stock pot with a towel in the bottom. Do not let the jars touch. Boil gently for about 10 minutes. Remove jars and set away from draft to cool. I place towel lined cookie sheet in the cold oven and let the jars cool in the oven with the door closed. Make sure that the jars have sealed before storing.
11. The jelly is good for about 12 months, but is best the first 6 months. The color and consistency may change the longer it is stored. Use as you would with any other jelly, this is a great icing for a yellow cake.
12. Optional: If you are making several batches and you want them a little different, add whole spices (allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger etc.).