Description
Cranberry pepper jelly creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors for holiday gatherings. Chefs and home cooks can easily prepare this versatile condiment with simple ingredients from local markets.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 red bell pepper
- 12 jalapeños
- 2 cups (480 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) liquid pectin
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly wash and sort cranberries, removing any imperfect fruits. Finely chop bell peppers and jalapenos, eliminating seeds to control heat intensity.
- Cooking Base: Combine cranberries, diced peppers, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water in a large pot. Heat on medium-high, stirring occasionally, allowing cranberries to burst and release juices until mixture becomes syrupy and slightly thickened (10-12 minutes).
- Texture Refinement: Blend the mixture using an immersion blender for a smooth consistency. Alternatively, strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for a crystal-clear jelly, extracting maximum flavor and removing solid remnants.
- Pectin Activation: Return mixture to a rolling boil, quickly incorporate liquid pectin. Stir continuously and maintain a vigorous boil for exactly one minute to activate pectin and ensure proper gel formation.
- Jarring and Processing: Transfer the hot jelly into sanitized glass jars, leaving a quarter-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims meticulously, cap with sterilized lids, and process in a water bath for preservation. This step ensures safe storage and prevents contamination.
- Storage and Preservation: Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks to maintain optimal flavor and quality.
Notes
- Handle Cranberries Carefully: Thoroughly inspect and wash cranberries, removing any bruised or soft fruits to ensure high-quality jelly with consistent flavor and texture.
- Control Pepper Spiciness: Remove seeds from jalapenos to moderate heat levels, allowing customization of spice intensity for different taste preferences.
- Achieve Perfect Consistency: Use an immersion blender for smooth texture or strain through cheesecloth for crystal-clear jelly, depending on desired final appearance and mouthfeel.
- Precise Pectin Timing: Add liquid pectin and boil exactly one minute to activate gelling properties, ensuring the jelly sets properly without becoming too tough or runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg