I will put in my endorsement of using SureJell as a foolproof method of making jelly, although I have made many a jar without it. SureJell makes it predictable for getting a good product. Clive is obviously VERY experienced and gets excellent results, but I would recommend following the directions in the SJ package--and do so exactly. Jelly is one thing that does not do well when "fiddled" with. The ratios are very key.