Orange Jelly. Mrs. O. W. Weeks. Recipe

Orange jelly is a delightful dessert that is loved by many for its refreshing taste and vibrant citrus flavor. It is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations and is perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we will be sharing Mrs. O. W. Weeks' version of orange jelly, which has become a family favorite over the years.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to explore the history of this delightful dessert. Orange jelly is believed to have originated in Europe, where oranges were a prized fruit, associated with luxury and wealth. The sweet and tangy flavor of oranges made them a popular choice for creating jellies and preserves.

Fun Fact: Did you know that jelly-making dates back to ancient times? It was a common method used to preserve fruits and enjoy their flavors long after their harvest season.

Now, let's get started with Mrs. O. W. Weeks' Orange Jelly recipe!

Ingredients:
- 6 large, juicy oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 pound loaf sugar
- 1/2 ounce gelatine

Instructions:
1. Begin by dissolving the sugar in half a pint of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning.

2. In a separate bowl, pour half a pint of boiling water over the gelatine. Stir until the gelatine has dissolved completely, then strain the mixture to remove any lumps.

3. Now, it's time to extract the juice from the oranges and lemon. Cut the oranges and lemon in half and use a citrus juicer or a manual juicer to squeeze out all the juice. Make sure to remove any seeds or pulp that may have fallen into the juice.

4. Add the sugar and water mixture to a large pot and place it over medium heat. Allow it to come to a boil.

5. Once the sugar and water mixture is boiling, add the dissolved gelatine and the freshly squeezed juice of the oranges and lemon to the pot. You can also add some zest from the lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Let the mixture come to a boil again, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to ensure that all the flavors are well incorporated.

7. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and carefully strain the mixture to remove any zest or pulp. This will result in a smoother jelly.

8. Pour the strained mixture into your desired molds or containers. You can use decorative molds or simple ramekins. Let the jelly cool completely at room temperature.

9. Once the jelly has cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 3-4 hours or overnight. The jelly should become firm and wobbly.

Now that our delicious orange jelly is ready, it's time to serve and enjoy! You can serve the jelly as is or garnish it with some fresh orange slices or a dollop of whipped cream.

Similar to orange jelly, there are other fruit-based jellies that you can explore. Some popular variations include lemon jelly, grape jelly, and raspberry jelly. Each offers a unique flavor and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts.

So, next time you're in the mood for a light and refreshing dessert, give Mrs. O. W. Weeks' Orange Jelly recipe a try. Its burst of citrus flavor and smooth texture will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy!