Prickly Pear Cactus Jelly

200 purple pods (collect with tongs when cactus begins to lie down for winter, after a few frosts). Fill kettle to cover pods with water and lid. Then swish, drain and repeat several times to remove all prickles. Slit pods toward taper and pull in half. Add 1½ c. water and heat med-low until juice is release about 1 hour. Mash occasionally. Coarse strain, then fine strain for 3½ c. juice.

3½ c. cactus juice
4 c. sugar
1 T. lemon juice
1 box pectin for jelly
Follow directions on box using these amounts.

Don’t have a cactus? I have plenty to share. They have gorgeous double yellow flowers followed by purple fruit pods in fall.

Rose Goetsch
Cresco