Mint jelly

This mint jelly is an easy recipe for a beginner in the art of preserves.

1. Chop the mint finely and stir with the water in a 2 quart sauce pan. Bring to a fast boil. Remove from heat, cover sauce pan and allow it to stand for ten minutes.
2. Strain through three layers of cheese cloth or a jelly bag, saving the liquid. Add food coloring if using.
3. Mix together 1 3/4 cups of the mint juice with lemon juice and sugar in a 4 quart saucepan.
4. Over a high heat, bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
5. Add the liquid pectin. Bring the mix to a full boil and allow boiling rapidly for a full minute.
6. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.