Apple and herb jelly

Method

1. Roughly chop the apples, leaving the skins on. Put them in a preserving pan along with their pips and stalks and add 568ml water and the sprigs of your chosen herb(s). Cook gently for 20-30 minutes until mushy. Add the vinegar, increase the heat and cook briskly for about 5 minutes.
2. Pour the mix (you should have about 2 litres at this stage) into a jelly bag suspended over a deep pan and strain for at least 12 hours – don’t be tempted to squeeze the bag or the jelly will go cloudy.
3. Take the strained juice and measure it; you should have about 568ml. Add 455g sugar for every 568ml and warm the mixture gently until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring to the boil and allow to bubble briskly for at least 10-12 minutes, or until it starts to set (it should begin to coat the back of a wooden spoon).
5. Once it has reached setting point, remove from the heat, skim off any scum from the surface with a spoon and stir through the chopped herbs. Leave to settle for 5 minutes. Spoon into your warm sterilised jars, seal with a wax disc and lid and store for up to 6 months.