Certo: A Short Cut to Better Jams and Jellies

by General Foods Corporation

THE STEPS TO FOLLOW

1. Prepare Fruit: Select fully ripe fruit. Wash, then prepare exactly as recipe directs. If fruit lacks tartness add ¼ cup lemon juice when adding sugar. For separating juice for jelly, use 1-yard square of Canton flannel, spread over colander. Place prepared fruit in cloth, bring corners together and twist while pressing down on bag. To make jellies from dripped juice, use twice amount of fruit called for in recipe.

2. Prepare Glasses: Wash, scald, and drain the glasses and tin covers needed, and melt paraffin in a small pot over hot water while making jelly or jam. Use new paraffin; old paraffin often causes spoilage. If tin covers are not available, cut out circles of paper to paste over tops of glasses.

3. Measure Sugar and Fruit: Use the same standard measuring cup, holding ½ pint, level full, for both sugar and fruit. If sugar is weighed, weigh fruit also. To measure fruit for jam, pack solidly into cup until juice and fruit come to top. If there is a slight shortage, fill last cup, or fraction of cup, with water. If not quite enough juice for jelly, mix water with pulp in jelly bag and squeeze again.