Homemade Orange Marmalade

I have had Orange Marmalade on my “to do” list for a long time. My mother and I finally got some time away from paper work; we own a family plumbing and heating company (McGuire Plumbing and Heating), the men do the plumbing and we do all the paper work.

I make a tasty chicken dish with orange marmalade and dijon mustard and I wanted to try to make homemade marmalade. Like I said it was on my “to do” list forever but it takes a while to make and I just could never commit.

Well, my mom bought all the ingredients and while I was over her house one day we decided to give it a try. I am so glad we did! You can’t go wrong with homemade!

Orange Marmalade

Makes 5 1/2 pints

• 4 Large Oranges
• 1 Lemon
• 4 Cups Sugar
• 6 Cups Water

1. Peel a lot of the rind off all of the fruit using a rind peeler. I won’t lie this is the hardest part of the job! You want to have skinny strips of rind. (save these rinds)
2. Cut the remaining rind and white membrane off the oranges (discard these rinds and the membrane) . Quarter the oranges and slice them thin.
3. In a large pot over high heat add oranges, saved rinds, juice from the lemon and water. Bring to a boil.
4. Turn down to a simmer and let simmer for 45 minutes. Then place a plate in the freezer.
5. Now add the sugar and turn the heat to high. Stir continuously. Using a candy thermometer heat until it reaches 223 degrees. The marmalade will start to turn a darker color, that’s fine don’t worry! It took a long time for the temp. to reach 223 degrees around 30 minutes. If it seems like it’s taking too long keep going it will get there!
6. Once you think the marmalade is done check it by placing a small amount on the plate that was in the freezer. If it runs easily it’s not ready yet, keep cooking it. If it sets up like a gel and moves slightly then you are good to go!
7. Fill sterilized canning jars and cover. Waterbath can them for 10 mins.

If you don’t know how to can Click Here to learn how! It’s really easy! Don’t be afraid to try it!

Please let me know how you use orange marmalade!