Apple Juice for Jelly

For each cup of apple juice, you'll need about 4 small apples or about 16 oz.
TIP: Once the fruit is prepared and placed in the dampened cheesecloth lined sleeve, make sure to let the juice drip for several hours.

1. In a large stainless steel saucepan, place washed, quartered apples from which stem and blossom ends have been removed - DO NOT CORE. Add enough cold water to cover fruit, or about 1 cup for each lb of apples. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat, cover loosely and boil gently, stirring and crushing apples occasionally, just until apples are softened, about 30 minutes. (do not overcook as it reduces flavor, color and strength of the pectin.)
2. Transfer apple mixture to a dampened jelly bag or a strainer lined with several layers of dampened cheesecloth set over a deep bowl. Let drip, undisturbed, for at least 2 hours or overnight to collect juice.