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A delicious condiment to have in your freezer. Pepper jelly makes a perfect hostess gift or last-minute appetizer.
Pepper jelly again? I know, I know, we already did the whole pepper jelly thing two weeks ago, but this one is different and honestly, this stuff is like money in the bank, at least in a culinary sense, that is you see, you almost can't have enough of this amazing stuff at this time of year. A stash of it tucked away in your freezer or pantry, can keep you out of more than one "predicament" over the next few weeks. What kind of predicaments? I'm so glad you asked!
You know all the "little" gifts you need for the holiday season? Teachers, neighbors, coaches, co-workers, hostesses, bosses, mailmen and on and on the list goes. A sparkling jar of pepper jelly tied with a fun bow is the perfect solution. Need a bit more? Find a pretty basket, add some nice crackers, a log of goat cheese and a tiny jar of fresh pomegranate seeds*** you've got a lovely and practical gift anyone would love. (I'd be most pleased to get a gift like that hint, hint!).
You'll also love having this jelly on hand for a super quick appetizer. If you're spending a lot of time making a nice dinner, sometimes it's enough to throw you over the cliff, having to plan a yummy appetizer too. Now, all you need to do is have a stash of pepper jelly, some crackers** and a few packages of cream cheese. Then, when the doorbell's about to ring with merry holiday guests, throw the cream cheese on a pretty plate, spoon some pepper jelly over the top and add a fan of crackers. Voila! A fantastic appetizer that will receive rave reviews! If you want to really wow your guests, add a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds*** or diced mango, clementines, fresh pineapple or whatever your little heart dreams up you'll be put on the "hostess-with-the-mostest" list for sure!
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Jalapeño Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- ¾ cup green bell pepper, very finely chopped*
- ¼ cup jalapeño pepper, very finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups white wine vinegar
- 6 cups sugar
- 1 packet Certo**, If you like your jelly quite thick use another tablespoon or so of Certo. With the one packet, it makes a nice consistency for spooning on cream cheese, muffins, etc. but it is not super thick.
- a few drops of green food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Combine peppers, vinegar, and sugar in a large pot or dutch oven. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for one minute.
- Remove from heat and add Certo and food coloring, if desired. Stir continuously for 1 minute. Skim any foam from surface.
- Pour into jars, cover and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours, then freeze. If freezing jam makes sure to leave a ½ inch space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion in the freezer.
- Alternatively, you can use the water bath method; after adding the Certo and stirring, pour your jam into sterilized jars and proceed as directed here.
Nutrition
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Can’t wait to try this recipe. Already tried Pineapple Habanero and Strawberry Habanero- both were excellent!!
Thanks for letting us know, Jason!
I have made this twice now…delicious!! My family and friends can’t get enough of it. Thanks for posting these wonderful recipes!!
So happy to hear that, Emma!
Hi, I use small 1-cup size jars, the recipe makes about 6 cups of jam. I found those fun jars at Walmart.
Can you tell us what size jars you used and how many this recipe makes? Thank you!
I don't think I've seen a prettier, more festive appetizer. This is so perfect for the coming holidays. The combination of spicy jelly, creamy cheese and a good cracker is irresistible. Beautiful photos, Chris.
I love making jellies! Yours looks perfectly supreme. Pinning now!!!
It;s just amazing Chris, I love it!
for me would surely be a great gift, I love spicy things and it;s sooo beautiful!
I just love this hot pepper jelly and need to use your recipe to prepare it! Thanks for stopping by my blog for Liz's guest post, this way I have now found your lovely blog and following you here and on FB. Have a wonderful holiday season and it's nice to meet you!
Sounds delicious. I never use pectin here only lemon juice, I wonder if it will be enough to make a jelly. I can get pectin sugar, but I have yet to find ordinary pectin. Sure it must be around somewhere though. Keep well Diane
What a gorgeous holiday gift! I love the vibrant green color...especially when paired with the cream cheese and pomegranate arils...just lovely!!!
Yum! Great gift idea!
These little jars looks like the perfect holiday gift!!!! And it looks so good!
We received this jelly from our Aunt many times over the years and it always disappeared quickly. I love it! Thanks for sharing the recipe, when I start making jellies this will be one of the first I try.
It's so pretty Chris and I too wouldn't mind a little pot of this as a gift. It's so handy to have a few extra gifts just in case isn't it? Even better if you don't need to give them away!
You're so right about this being pretty - that's the best reason to make it. Well, that and jalapeno jelly has such a great flavor. Good stuff - thanks.
This is so pretty and holiday-ish. It's so pretty on it's own it hardly needs any decoration.
I was just talking about your pepper jelly, seriously, about a minute ago. I have to blog it soon. It's awesome and I agree makes great gifts 🙂 Love the pics too, that husband is doing a fine job!
Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
Beautiful colored jalapeño pepper jam, looks delicious with the cheese and crackers;-)
I keep saying I will make this someday - we just love it. My son would be thrilled. I saw those crackers and was immediately in love - can't wait!
i've never seen anything like this! very attractive green and the combination in the picture looks very good and so festive looking too!
Indeed a perfect X'mas gift. Beautiful green.
Chris this is so pretty and it sounds so tasty too. My hubby would love this. Can't wait to see those crackers.
I feel bad I haven't stopped by lately, I've been busy with classes and the holidays - coming up for a quick breath of air.
Another Pepper Jelly! I love it! I'm thining I may tru to can some jelly this weekend. I have never canned before, but I want these treats to last. I can't wait for your cracker recipe. I just made your Pecan Crisps this weekend!!
Thank you Madonna for catching that, I think I got it fixed! Do you have a blog, if so please leave me a link to it!
Hi Chris, I have not eaten this but it sure look very tempting and delicious.. Love the color, very pretty.
Love the last picture, mind if I request for 1 set please. 🙂
Have a lovely week ahead.
This would be so beautiful for Christmas! (Or anytime, for that matter.) I love pepper jelly, and the color of this one is fabulous. 🙂
The bright green color of this jelly is so festive!! A wonderful gift…they look beautiful!
I love the color of this jelly!
I really, really, really wish you were my neighbor.
I think you may have a problem with "her pepper jelly" link.
look beautiful!!
There you go again...with your temptations.
Perfect gift indeed. And the color is so Christmasy... 🙂
Your jelly is so pretty, what a nice gift! And I love your appetizer idea - so festive for the holiday season!