I have trouble following recipes. LOL Not because I can't read 'em... but because I always think, "but this and that would just make it *so* much better."
Here in Texas we can make wine at home all we want as long as we don't re-sell it. My younger daughter has a friend who has been to "wine making school" and is now starting his own winery. They've been encouraging me to try some winemaking with all that I do and the only reason I haven't done it is time. My other half here loves wine. He likes the drier ones while *if* I have any I too like the sweeter ones. I'm just not much of a drinker of anythign but water. But I'm going to try making some for him and for my own use in making jellies.
I do make a lot of wine jellies and herb jellies with a wine base. For many years my jellies have been my personal "thing" for gifts. Some of my friends and family have made it a point to tell me not to try to give them any other thing for gifting occasions. LOL
That said, I'm leading up to a question for you here. You have talked about some commercial experience and I need to find out what kind of licenses or whatnot I need to sell my jellies. The young friend of my daughter's has said that he would sell my jellies and homemade bread at his winery store. I just don't know if I have to jump through legal hoops to put a label on my jellies to sell 'em. Do you know anything about that?
Regarding your question on making and selling jelly and jam...
Texas is probably much different than Delaware, but here you now have to have an inspected and approved ‘certified commercial kitchen’ with attached dedicated restroom and hand washing station (kitchen sink won’t do) and doors to separate it from the rest of the house - nary a pet or plant anywhere in order to make anything you will sell for human consumption!!!!! Requirements are asinine!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is so bad that Delaware State College has set up a special kitchen that meets the requirements and they will rent it to you to produce your product - jam, jelly, bread - or even cookies if you want to send them to a church or school bake sale. Have you EVER heard of such #$%^&*(#$%^& government overbearing stu...... OK, you get the point...
Actually, I should spread a little rain on everyones parade - In most states it is illegal to sell, barter, exchange, or even GIVE any plant material (seeds have their own legislation and require germination testing too) without a special nursery license (free) but entails an inspection by the department of agriculture - Federal Gov’t is pushing hard for other states to follow their ‘Model’ legislation.
Since I have about 75 chickens, I have to register my flock location, number of birds, type of birds, breed of birds, what I intend to use them for, etc. too.
Grrrrrrrrr did you have to open that can of worms -
And I was having such a nice day too. (grin) But you did it sooo nicely, I will forgive you.