Hot Pepper Jelly

  • 5
  • 15 mins
  • 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into wedges
  • 2/3 cup chopped habanero peppers
  • 6 cups sugar, divided
  • 2 pouches (3 ounces each) liquid fruit pectin
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
  • Cream cheese and crackers

Preparation

Step 1

Place vinegar and peppers in a blender; cover and puree. Add 2 cups sugar; blend well. Pour into a saucepan. Stir in the remaining sugar; bring to a boil. Strain mixture and return to pan. Stir in pectin and food coloring if desired. Return to a rolling boil over high heat. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; skim off foam. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling-water canner. Serve with cream cheese on crackers. Yield: 5 half-pints.

Editor's Note: When cutting hot peppers, disposable gloves are recommended. Avoid touching your face. The processing time listed is for altitudes of 1,000 feet or less. Add 1 minute to the processing time for each 1,000 feet of additional altitude.