Mint Jelly

I was given a bunch of fresh mint leaves the other day.  I remembered my mom making mint jelly so that is what I decided to do with it.  It is traditionally eaten with lamb, but I prefer just to eat mine on bread and butter.  My three year old saw mine and wouldn't even try a bite, green jelly?!?!

Mint Jelly
2 c firmly packed mint leaves
4 1/2 c water
Green food coloring
5 c sugar
1 box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin

Wash mint leaves; finely chop.  Place in a large saucepan; add 4 1/2 c water.  Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat; cover and let stand 10 minutes. Stir in a few drops of green food coloring.  Strain the mint leaves out.  Measure 4 cups of the mint water (if necessary, add up to 1/2 c water to get the correct amount)  Measure 5 cups of sugar in a separate bowl and set aside.

Stir 1 box of pectin into mint water. Add ½ tsp butter or margarine if desired to reduce foaming.

Bring mixture to a full rolling boil on high heat stirring constantly. Stir in sugar quickly and return to a full rolling boil. Boil exactly 1 minute , stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam with a metal spoon. Ladle quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch from tops. Wipe jar rims and threads and put on caps and lids. Process in water bath for 15 minutes. Takes up to two weeks for jelly to set up.

Source: Sure-Jell