Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly
Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly is a delectable blend of sweetness and heat that packs a flavorful punch with each spread. Originally crafted to bring a unique flair to special occasions, this jelly can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of spice. Whether gifting at weddings or enjoying at home, this versatile jelly is perfect for glazing meats, spicing up cheese boards, or spreading on toast. The jelly's vibrant color can be adjusted to match your culinary presentation, and it's made with simple ingredients that offer an exceptional homemade touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot pepper
2/3 cup (Chopped)
Bell pepper
1 (Chopped)
White vinegar
1 1/2 cups (None)
Sugar
6 cups (None)
Liquid Certo
8 ounces (2 packets) (None)
Food coloring
1 teaspoon (Use red for spicy, green for mild)
Instructions
1
Prep peppers: Chop the hot and bell peppers into large chunks.
2
Blend peppers and vinegar: Place the chopped peppers into a blender. Add the vinegar and blend until peppers are finely chopped.
3
Combine with sugar: Transfer the blended mixture into a large pot. Stir in the sugar until well combined.
4
First boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
5
Strain and return to heat: Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a sieve back into the pot to remove large pulp pieces. Return the strained liquid back to a rolling boil.
6
Second boil: Boil the liquid for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Final steps: Remove from heat, and immediately add in the Certo and food coloring, stirring quickly to combine.
8
Jar the jelly: Pour the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top. Secure with heated lids.
9
Seal method: For heated seal method, invert jars for 5 minutes before turning them upright. Alternatively, for a safer method, process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes, ensuring jars are covered by 1-2 inches of water.
10
Cool and store: Remove jars and allow them to cool completely on a rack before storing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly?
It is a flavorful blend of sweetness and heat made from peppers, sugar, and vinegar, perfect for spreads or glazes.
What are the primary ingredients in this jelly?
The main ingredients include hot peppers, bell peppers, white vinegar, sugar, liquid Certo, and food coloring.
How can I adjust the heat level of the jelly?
You can adjust the level of spice by choosing different varieties of hot peppers or changing the ratio of hot to bell peppers.
What can I serve with pepper jelly?
This jelly is excellent for glazing meats, serving on cheese boards with crackers, or spreading on toast.
How should I prepare the peppers before blending?
The hot and bell peppers should be chopped into large chunks before being placed in the blender.
What is the role of vinegar in this recipe?
Vinegar provides the necessary acidity for preservation and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar.
How long should I blend the peppers and vinegar?
Blend them until the peppers are finely chopped but not necessarily a complete liquid puree.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 6 cups of sugar to achieve the correct set and sweetness.
How long is the first boil?
The mixture should be brought to a rolling boil and cooked for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
Why is the mixture strained through a sieve?
Straining removes the large pulp pieces, resulting in a clearer and smoother jelly texture.
How long is the second boil after straining?
Once the strained liquid is returned to a rolling boil, it should be boiled for an additional 5 minutes.
When should the Certo and food coloring be added?
Remove the pot from the heat first, then immediately stir in the Certo and food coloring quickly.
Which food color should I use for spicy jelly?
The recipe recommends using red food coloring to indicate a spicy flavor profile.
Which food color should I use for mild jelly?
Green food coloring is traditionally used in this recipe to signify a milder version of the jelly.
What type of jars should be used for storage?
Sterilized half-pint jars are the recommended size for this pepper jelly recipe.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave approximately 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar before securing the lids.
What is the inversion method for sealing jars?
After securing the lids, turn the jars upside down for 5 minutes before turning them upright to create a seal.
What is the safer alternative to the inversion method?
The safer method is to process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
How deep should the water be for a boiling water bath?
The jars should be covered by at least 1 to 2 inches of water during the boiling water bath process.
How long should the jelly cool before storing?
Allow the jars to cool completely on a rack before moving them to long-term storage.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients: hot peppers, bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, liquid Certo, and food coloring.
Is this jelly suitable for gifting?
Yes, its vibrant colors and homemade touch make it a popular gift for weddings and special occasions.
What type of pectin is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically requires 8 ounces (2 packets) of Liquid Certo.
Can I use different types of hot peppers?
Yes, you can use any hot pepper of your choice to reach your desired 2/3 cup measurement.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar.
What does the 1 teaspoon of food coloring do?
It provides a vibrant aesthetic that helps distinguish between different heat levels of the jelly.
Do I need to stir the mixture while boiling?
Yes, you should stir continuously during the rolling boil to prevent burning and ensure even heat.
What texture should the peppers have after blending?
They should be finely chopped, which allows the flavor to infuse into the vinegar and sugar mixture.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include spicy, sweet, jelly, canning, homemade, and preserves.
How do I ensure the lids seal properly?
Use heated lids and either the inversion method for 5 minutes or a 5-minute boiling water bath.