Uncle Bill's Seville Orange Marmalade Recipe

How to Make Uncle Bill's Seville Orange Marmalade

1. Halve Seville oranges and using a spoon or juicer, extract as much juice as possible (approximately 2 cups). Reserve peels.
2. Halve one regular orange and extract juice into the same bowl (about 1 cup). Reserve peels.
3. Halve 2 lemons and extract juice into the bowl (about 1 cup). Reserve peels.
4. Using a slotted spoon, remove pulp and seeds from all juiced citrus fruits. Place pulp and seeds in a cheesecloth bag. Set aside.
5. Quarter the reserved orange and lemon peels.
6. Using a spoon, scrape off the white pith from all peels and discard.
7. Thinly slice the peels (about 1/8 inch thick).
8. Measure the sliced peel (approximately 4 cups). Add to the juice in the bowl.
9. Add 12 cups of boiling water (3 cups per cup of peel).
10. Cover and let soak for at least 12 hours.
11. Transfer the soaked peel mixture and liquid to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
12. Add the cheesecloth bag with pulp and seeds to the saucepan.
13. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the peel is soft.
14. Squeeze the cheesecloth bag to extract as much pectin-rich liquid as possible, then discard the bag and contents.
15. Measure the fruit mixture (approximately 16 cups).
16. Add 16 cups (equal weight) of granulated sugar to the saucepan.
17. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
18. Increase heat and boil rapidly, stirring constantly, until the setting point is reached. This is achieved when a small amount of syrup placed on a chilled plate wrinkles when pushed with a finger, or a candy thermometer registers 220°F (104°C).
19. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of butter.
20. Skim off any foam and discard.
21. Ladle the hot marmalade into prepared, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
22. Clean the jar rims.
23. Pour a thin layer of melted paraffin wax over the marmalade (optional).
24. Once the marmalade has set, pour another layer of paraffin wax (optional).
25. Attach lids and rings, ensuring a tight seal.
26. Label jars and store in a cool, dark place.
27. Alternatively, can the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (paraffin wax not needed if using this method).