Description
This Christmas Pepper Jelly is a vibrant and spicy condiment perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals. Combining finely chopped red and green bell peppers with fiery jalapenos, this jelly is sweetened with white sugar and balanced with tangy apple cider vinegar. The jelly is cooked and then preserved using a classic hot water bath canning method, making it perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Pepper Mixture
- 3 1/2 cups Green and/or Red Bell Peppers (best with 2 1/2 cups red and 1 cup green), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 package Powdered Pectin
- 5 cups White Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Finely chop the bell peppers and jalapeños in a food processor. To avoid irritation, wear gloves when handling the hot peppers.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped peppers into a large pot. Add the apple cider vinegar and powdered pectin, stirring well to combine.
- Boil the Mixture: Heat the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Add Sugar and Boil: Stir in the white sugar thoroughly. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and maintain the boil for 1 minute.
- Remove Foam: Take the pot off the heat and skim off any foam that has formed to ensure a clear jelly.
- Jar the Jelly: Using a ladle and a canning funnel, fill sterilized jars with the hot pepper jelly, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace on top.
- Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean, remove any air bubbles, and place the lids securely on the jars.
- Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner and process them at a full rolling boil for 10 minutes to seal and preserve.
- Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and set them on a kitchen towel at room temperature. Do not disturb for 24 hours to allow proper sealing.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling.
- Maintain a full rolling boil during both boiling steps for safety and proper jelly setting.
- Skimming foam off the jelly helps improve clarity and texture.
- Use a canning funnel and a jar lifter for safety and ease during the canning process.
- Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours to ensure proper sealing.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pepper jelly, Christmas jelly, spicy jelly, holiday condiment, canning recipe, gift jar
