MANY USES OF JELLY

Jelly and jams have many uses other than the traditional peanut butter sandwich!  If you are anything like me, you have LOTS of jelly and jam on hand.  I make several types each year and other than for gift giving, we just don't it that much.
I have decided to get busy and start using up some of the older jars, so I don't feel so bad about making new.  I just can't let things go to waste, and many things get made into jelly easily.

Here is a few non-traditional uses;

• thumb print cookies or molasses cookies (I always put a dab of jelly in center)
• oat bar cookies
• make a flavored vinegrette for salads (they can be expensive to buy)
• I make flavored homemade ice cream with jam (raspberry is a favorite)
• If it doesn't set right - it's called syrup at my house.  Jelly can also be melted down for syrup.
• use in making BBQ sauce or chili sauce
• add between the layers of a layer cake for a fun surprise
• add to smoothies
• stir in cottage cheese (the Cottage Doublers are pricey at the store)
• Jelly rolls
• mix with cream cheese to serve with crackers or chips.
• top a cheese cake (melt and cover cheesecake with a thin layer of jelly)
• mix in yogurt (buy cheap plain yogurt and make your own flavors)
• Make little individual pies with leftover pit crust (we loved these as a kid)
• Place a spoonful in the middle of muffins or cupcakes before baking.  Fun surprise!
• Sweeten hot tea (yum - flavored tea)
• Dollop some in your hot oatmeal.
• Use as an ingredient in sweet breads (just adjust liquids a bit)
• Give as gifts
• use as a meat glaze - apricot, apple, orange, pear, mint or jalapeno are all good on pork or lamb
• Mix a little in pancake/waffle mix.  Makes them flavored.
• And of course on sandwiches, toast, biscuits, etc.

Do you have any cool ideas to use jelly or jam in a different way?  Please let us know.
This year I want to make sure nothing goes to waste and I want to get creative.

A few of my jellies and jams.  You can't see them all - on the lower shelf there are boxes stacked!  There is relishes in that area too.

Let's get creative.  Share your ideas!