[cheshirecheese]

Oh, yes and you have 2 and 1/2 of blueberries.
I am so jealous.

Many thanks for the tips and advice ... but no need to be jealous, as these blueberries are a mixture of bargain baskets from the greengrocer and a bag of frozen I had left in the freezer!!   

I only have a small veg patch, so don't currently grow that much soft fruit; however, I'm debating whether to plant gooseberries and blackcurrants and not bother with so many courgettes, beans, salad crops, etc. next year.

As for the juniper berries, yes, I do crush them, but I think it's the length of time they're in with the other ingredients that's the key ... I'll definitely be using your tip of letting the mix stand overnight before straining.   

[Mrs Bee]

I won't go to bed with blueberry envy tonight then.

[Maryann]

Hi everyone - I have some grape juice which I got by steaming 1 kg of red seedless grapes. I was wondering how to make grape jelly with it as I keep seeing different recipes. Some add apples and pectin, some just pectin. I have cooking apples which I can steam and add the juice to the grape juice but I'm looking for a really grapey flavour jelly with nothing else added.
Will my ordinary eating grapes give me that flavour and also if you add apple juice does this effect the grapey - ness of the flavour.
I've just re-read that and I know it sounds a bit daft but hope you get my drift 
Wasn't going to bother making any more jams/jelly this year as have so much stockpiled in larder but my curiousity got the better of me 

[Mrs Bee]

I find equal quantities of apple and  black grape give a good grape flavour.

I simmer equal quantities of grapes with apple cores and peel and then put them through a jelly bag.
Then use 1 lb of juice to 1 pint of juice.

[sunshineband]

I just use jam sugar and it works just fine 

[Maryann]

Thanks for your help. I'm just a bit concerned the red eating grapes might not have the same strong flavour of the 'black' grapes.
However, it seems from various comments that if you use apples you don't need to add pectin or jam sugar.

I'll be giving it a go tomorrow - was hoping to finish the jelly today but plans scuppered at last minute. Juice is safely stored in fridge though. Will let you know how it turns out.