Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your jelly stays fresh and safe to eat.
Mix Mountain Dew and Pectin:
In a large saucepan, combine the Mountain Dew and the powdered fruit pectin. Stir well to dissolve the pectin completely. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Add Sugar and Lemon Juice:
Once the Mountain Dew and pectin mixture is boiling, add the granulated sugar all at once. Add the lemon juice and continue stirring. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and let it boil hard for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved and the jelly is thickening.
Add Food Coloring (Optional):
If you want to enhance the vibrant green color of your jelly, add a few drops of green food coloring. Stir well to distribute the color evenly.
Test the Jelly:
To test if your jelly is ready, use the spoon test. Dip a cold metal spoon into the boiling jelly and lift it out. If the jelly forms a sheet or breaks off the spoon in a single drop, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling and retest every minute.
Fill the Jars:
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then place the lids on and screw the bands fingertip-tight.
Process the Jars:
Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. Ensure the jars are fully submerged in water. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the jars and let them cool on a towel or cooling rack. You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal.
