Jalapeño Pepper Jelly is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a versatile addition to your pantry. Whether you're serving it as a dip with cream cheese and crackers, glazing meats, or using it as a sandwich spread, this jelly is sure to be a hit. With a vibrant mix of sweet bell peppers and spicy jalapeños, it offers a punch of flavor balanced by sweetness from sugar and a tang from apple cider vinegar. If you've never tried making jelly at home, this recipe is a great introduction to canning, and the results are delicious.

This recipe highlights the fresh flavors of bell peppers and jalapeños. Combined with sugar and apple cider vinegar, it has a tangy sweetness that enhances the pepper’s natural flavors. The use of pectin ensures that your jelly sets up perfectly every time. While the process might sound complicated, it's actually very simple—and the satisfaction of making your own jelly is more than worth it.

One of the best things about jalapeño pepper jelly is its versatility. It's delicious served over cream cheese as a dip, but you can also spread it on sandwiches, serve it alongside grilled meats, or use it as a glaze for pork or chicken. It makes a great gift too! Plus, it's easy to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño peppers.

Once made, this jelly can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, be sure to refrigerate the jar and use within a few weeks. The jelly's bright, spicy flavor will be a welcome addition to your kitchen all year long!

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Nutritional Information (per tablespoon, makes about 6-7 half-pint jars):

• • - Calories: 50  
  • - Fat: 0g  
  • - Carbohydrates: 13g  
  • - Sugars: 12g  
  • - Sodium: 0mg  
  • - Fiber: 0g  

Storage Tips:

- Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.  

- Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2-3 weeks.  

Fun Fact:  

Jalapeño peppers, native to Mexico, are named after the city of Xalapa, where they were traditionally cultivated.

Serving Suggestions:  

- Pour over cream cheese and serve with crackers for an easy appetizer.  

- Use as a glaze for grilled meats like pork or chicken.  

- Add a spoonful to your sandwich or burger for an extra kick of flavor.  

- Incorporate into salad dressings or marinades for a sweet and spicy touch.

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Jalapeño Pepper Jelly Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 3 cups red and yellow bell peppers, finely diced  
• - 1 cup jalapeño peppers, finely diced  
• - 1 (1.75 oz) box pectin  
• - 5 cups sugar  
• - 1 cup apple cider vinegar  

Instructions:

1. In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine the diced bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, and apple cider vinegar.  

2. Stir in the pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.  

3. Add the sugar and return to a boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly.  

4. Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.  

5. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.  

6. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth, then secure the lids.  

7. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.  

8. Remove jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, check the lids for a proper seal.  

This jalapeño pepper jelly is not only delicious but also a fun and rewarding canning project. Whether you're new to canning or an experienced pro, you'll love the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of this jelly. It's the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.