Grape Expectations

Last summer Jason planted 3 small grape vines in our backyard. This year, the vines were covered with gorgeous purple grapes.
So we spend one morning this summer picking grapes...

...lots of grapes...

...with our hands and with the help of a few tools.

After we collected two big bowls full of grapes,

we headed over to my parents' house to learn how to make....

...homemade grape jelly!

Concord Grape Jelly Recipe

{from the Sure Jell box}

Start with 3 1/2 lbs. Concord Grapes. Discard stems and place grapes in a big pot. Add 1 1/2 cups of water {or just enough to cover the grapes}. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Drail/strain juice using a cheesecloth {we used an old t-shirt}. Add 5 cups of the prepared juice, 7 cups of sugar, and one box of Sure Jell back to the pot {my dad also mixed in a little butter to keep the mixture from foaming}. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil on high heat for exactly one minute. Ladle the mixture into prepared jars, clean the rims of the jars, and screw the jar lid on tightly.