| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 782 | 0.3g | 0g | 200g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 198g | 0.7g | 0.6g | 0.009g |
A Sweet Story
If you ask me how the spirit of my Italian-American kitchen can be encapsulated, one answer that quickly comes to mind is my beloved recipe for Jalapeño Pepper Jelly. Whenever I stir together the ingredients, I am transported back to cooking in my grandparents’ bustling, aroma-filled kitchen, where a love for food and the family traditions surrounding it were instilled in me.
Flavor and Health Packed in a Jar
At first glance, it might seem an unexpected combination – heat from the jalapeños entwined with the sweetness of the apple cider vinegar and sugar. But believe me, it’s an exciting marriage of flavors that not only seal in the taste buds’ delight, but also encapsulate some surprising health benefits!
Did you know that jalapeños are packed with essential vitamins like vitamin A, as well as rich in fiber and the immune-boosting vitamin C? So this jar of Jalapeño Pepper Jelly is more than just a treat!
A Beautiful Tradition Transformed
While my Italian-American kitchen is mostly remembered for robust spaghetti and sturdy meatballs, I also have a soft spot for garden treasures and how they lend their vibrant flavors into my family cooking. This recipe is not dissimilar to others that
hinge on fresh garden bounty. It’s somewhat similar to pickling, an age old technique of preserving food, and makes me think of my Grandmother’s Giardiniera, a pickled vegetable medley.
Pairings, Preparations, and Possibilities
This Jalapeño Pepper Jelly has quickly become a favorite in my family. It pairs remarkably well with various dishes. Give it a try with some creamy goat cheese on a cracker, or use it as a glazing agent for chicken or pork – it’s an unexpected delight that elevates everyday food into gourmet treats. And for the more adventurous souls, a spoonful on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a beautiful and complex dessert.
If I’d have to define my joy in creating such dishes for my family, and now for you, it’s this connection to the past stirred with present day exploration. The ingredients might not be traditionally Italian, but the soul behind it certainly is. It’s a story of tradition, journey, and love all packed in one jar of Jalapeño Pepper Jelly.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeño pepper
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid pectin
- 4 drops green food coloring (optional)
- 6 sterilized half pint canning jars with lids and bands
Method
Step One
Start by combining apple cider vinegar, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped jalapeño pepper in a large saucepan. Bring these ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring often.
Step Two
Add granulated sugar to the boiling mixture. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, increase to high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil for 1 minute.
Step Three
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the liquid pectin. Then add green food coloring if you wish, but this is an optional step.
Step Four
Skim away any foam that may have formed on the surface of the mixture. Quickly pour the hot jelly into your sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch space on top for expansion.
Step Five
Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any jelly residue. Secure lids and bands. Process in a boiling-water canner for 5 minutes.
Step Six
Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool. Check the seals; lids should be indented. The jelly will set as it cools. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
